An Indian national, Captain Smit Machchhar, was reportedly attacked during an altercation inside the cockpit of a flydubai flight on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, according to industry sources cited by The Hindu. The incident occurred on a flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

Following the altercation, the aircraft was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport (TUU) in Saudi Arabia. Flydubai confirmed the incident, referring to it as an "altercation" in a press statement. The airline stated that "at this early stage, the underlying reasons and motives behind this event are unknown and remain subject to a formal investigation," according to The Hindu.

Details of the Incident and Pilot's Condition

Captain Machchhar, the pilot involved in the incident, is an Indian national. Industry sources indicate that he was previously employed with SpiceJet, The Hindu reported. Official confirmation regarding his past employment is awaited.

Flydubai further stated that the aircraft was successfully secured by on-duty flydubai crew who were traveling on the flight. All passengers and crew members were reported to be safe and accounted for after the safe landing in Tabuk, according to the airline's statement as reported by The Hindu.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh, along with the Consulate in Jeddah, has been monitoring Captain Machchhar's health condition. The Embassy posted on X that Captain Machchhar is currently admitted to a hospital in Tabuk city, located in northwest Saudi Arabia, where he is receiving necessary medical attention. While a full update on his health is pending, he is reported to be in stable condition, according to the Indian Embassy's statement cited by The Hindu.

The Indian Embassy expressed hope for Captain Machchhar's speedy recovery from his injuries. The embassy also confirmed that it is in contact with his family and has assured them of continued follow-up on his health with Saudi authorities, pledging to extend all possible assistance for his well-being, The Hindu reported.

Broader Context and Reactions

In a related development, The Times of India published a headline referring to Captain Machchhar as "a true hero" and stating that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu 'saluted' the Indian pilot. The headline further indicated that Captain Machchhar "stopped Omani co-pilot from crashing Flydubai plane," according to The Times of India. However, flydubai's official press statement, as reported by The Hindu, emphasized that "the underlying reasons and motives behind this event are unknown and remain subject to a formal investigation."

The incident has led to operational changes for flydubai. The airline announced that flights to and from Israel will be suspended while the investigation into the incident continues, according to The Hindu.

Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps

The formal investigation into the altercation is ongoing, with flydubai stating that the underlying reasons and motives are yet to be determined. The focus remains on understanding the circumstances that led to the incident during the flight.

Authorities, including the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, continue to monitor Captain Machchhar's recovery and provide support to him and his family. The airline's suspension of flights to Israel underscores the seriousness with which the incident is being treated as the inquiry proceeds.