Why Were 4 Pilots Aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073? How Extra Crew Helped After Smit Machchhar Was Stabbed

On Wednesday, a Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced a cockpit attack that resulted in the diversion of the aircraft to Saudi Arabia. The incident involved the captain, Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed by another pilot, allegedly leading to a steep descent of about 14,000 feet within 30 seconds. Four pilots were aboard the Boeing 737 that day, including two additional pilots who took control of the aircraft during the crisis.

The extra pilots were present due to regional airspace restrictions that could have forced the flight to take a longer route, potentially exceeding duty hours for the original crew. Israeli passengers and crew members intervened, restraining the suspected attacker and eventually taking control of the plane. The incident, described as a "deliberate terror attack" by Israeli officials, highlights the importance of having additional pilots aboard to handle potential rerouting and duty hour limitations.