Airline Flydubai has come into focus recently after a serious mid-air incident involving its Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, where Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by the co-pilot, triggering a dramatic emergency.
In the chaos of the attack, the flight descended from 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet (around 10,000 meters to 5,100 meters) in about a minute, before making an erratic circle close to the Jordanian border and landing in Tabuk about an hour later, according to Flightradar24. Most of the plane’s rudder was ripped off the tail during the sudden drop.
The flight was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children.
Here’s a look at the airline on which the incident took place | 5 key facts
- FlyDubai, the sister airline to Emirates, is a government-owned carrier run by the United Arab Emirates that operates a fleet of 98 Boeing 737 aircraft, according to its website.
- It was founded on 19 March 2008 by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and began operations in June 2009, with the objective of providing affordable air connectivity from the UAE.
- Flydubai initially focused on short- and medium-haul routes using Boeing 737 aircraft. Its network has since expanded across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia, including several underserved markets.
- The airline has grown into one of Dubai’s key aviation players, with a network spanning more than 130 destinations. Its fleet comprises Boeing 737-800s and 737 MAX aircraft
- The airline reported carrying 15.7 million passengers in 2025 and reached a total revenue of AED 13.6 billion ($3.7 billion).
PM Modi hails Captain Smit Machchhar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised Indian Captain Smit Machchhar’s bravery for foiling his co-pilot’s alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight to Israel, saying his courageous act fills every Indian’s heart with pride.
Addressing the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, PM Modi recalled the incident and praised Machchhar for displaying courage despite being seriously injured.
“The incident that occurred yesterday, Captain Smit of India demonstrated remarkable patience, presence of mind, and courage; indeed, as the Prime Minister of Israel stated today, an Indian prevented a 9/11-style tragedy. For every citizen of our country, Smit’s valour fills us with immense pride,” PM Modi said.
He said the whole world is feeling proud of him.
“I request all citizens to pray for Smit’s longlife, excellent health. And we also praise him for adding to India’s pride,” the prime minister said.