[Paris October 1, 2026]: The Bureau of Human Rights and Justice (BHRJ) has strongly condemned the violent incident aboard a Flydubai passenger flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, in which an Indian captain was reportedly stabbed by Oman national jihadi co-pilot before the aircraft was diverted and landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was carrying approximately 174 people when a violent confrontation reportedly broke out in the cockpit. The aircraft subsequently made a dramatic descent and was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Passengers and crew members reportedly intervened and helped restrain the attacker
The injured captain was identified as Smit Machchhar, an Indian national and Flydubai pilot. Despite suffering stab wounds, Machchhar reportedly helped open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and regain control of the aircraft. He was taken to a hospital in Tabuk and has been reported to be in stable condition.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar for his actions and described him as a hero. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has characterized the incident as an attempted jihadist terrorist attack.
BHRJ President Dipan Mitra strongly condemned the attempted terrorist attack and expressed solidarity with the victims, passengers and crew members who faced the emergency.
“BHRJ strongly condemns this appalling act of violence aboard a civilian passenger aircraft. Any deliberate attempt to endanger innocent passengers and crew must be investigated fully and, if criminal responsibility is established, prosecuted in accordance with the law. We call for accountability and appropriate punishment for those found responsible.”
Mitra also praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage and professionalism during the emergency. BHRJ said that the incident demonstrates the importance of maintaining the highest standards of aviation security and ensuring that any act of violence or suspected terrorism against civilians is investigated independently and thoroughly.
