The captain who was attacked during an altercation inside the cockpit of a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday (September 30, 2026) is an Indian national, Captain Smit Machchhar, according to industry sources.

Mr. Machchaar was previously employed with SpiceJet. Official confirmation is awaited.

In a press statement, flydubai has called the incident aboard FZ 1073 “an altercation”.

“At this early stage, the underlying reasons and motives behind this event are unknown and remain subject to a formal investigation,” according to the press statement.

The airline said that the aircraft was successfully secured by on-duty flydubai crew travelling on the flight, who diverted and landed the aircraft safely at Tabuk Airport (TUU) in Saudi Arabia, and that all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for. 

flydubai didn’t respond to a query on the identity of the injured pilot.

Pilot Machchaar receiving necessary medical attention: Indian Embassy

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said that it has been following the health condition of Mr. Machchhar along with the Consulate in Jeddah. “He is admitted in a hospital in Tabuk city in northwest Saudi Arabia and receiving necessary medical attention. A full update on his health is awaited but he is reported to be in stable condition,” the embassy posted on X.

“We hope that he recovers from his injuries at the earliest. We are in touch with his family and assure them that we will continue to follow up on his health with Saudi authorities and extend all possible assistance for his wellbeing.”

flydubai suspends all flights to Tel Aviv amid ongoing investigations

flydubai, in a statement, said that flights to and from Israel will be suspended while the investigation regarding the incident continues.

“This temporary suspension will allow the relevant authorities to continue their work and establish all the facts surrounding the incident,” the statement said. “We apologise to passengers whose travel plans have been affected and are working to provide support and alternative arrangements where possible.”