Stabbed flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar is Indian national, worked with SpiceJet earlier

A year prior to Capt. Smit Machchhar becoming the focal point of a harrowing mid-air emergency, the Indian-origin commercial pilot had emphasized the crucial role of cabin crew members. Despite passengers sometimes failing to acknowledge the significance of cabin crew, Machchhar reminded that their importance becomes evident when something goes wrong during a flight - "When things are going wrong, you need them."

Tragically, Machchhar himself experienced this lesson firsthand when he was stabbed mid-flight on Flydubai FZ1073. The flight, originally bound for Tel Aviv, was diverted to Saudi Arabia after the incident, ultimately landing safely at Tabuk Airport. According to reports, Machchhar fought off the co-pilot, preventing a potentially catastrophic situation involving the 174 passengers on board.

Israeli media said Machchhar was an Indian national, though Flydubai has not publicly confirmed the identities or nationalities of the pilots involved in the incident.

In his own words, Machchhar explained that cabin crew are trained to handle emergencies like no doctor could. While a doctor's presence during a crisis would be ideal, the crew's training allows them to potentially save lives. He noted that passengers should not expect a medical professional on board during such situations, but rather rely on the cabin crew's expertise. This sentiment has gained renewed attention following Machchhar's violent confrontation on the same flight.