RELEASE: Gottheimer Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Flydubai Flight 1073 Heroes

Condemns Attempted Terrorist Attack

Resolution Honors Captain, Crew, Passengers Who Saved All Lives

Calls for a Full Investigation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), and Congressman Don Bacon (NE-2) introduced a bipartisan resolution honoring Captain Smit Machchhar and the crew and passengers of Flydubai Flight 1073, and condemning the attempted terrorist attack on the flight.

“Captain Machchhar is a hero. While gravely wounded, he fought off a terrorist attack and saved every soul on that plane, including 27 children and four Americans,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Congress must honor his extraordinary courage, and we must be clear that this was an act of terrorism and an attack on the safety of international air travel. I’m proud to lead this resolution with Congressman McCaul and Congressman Bacon, and we wish Captain Machchhar and everyone injured a full recovery.”

“I’m proud to co-lead this resolution, which condemns the attempted terrorist attack, calls for a full investigation, and honors the brave crew and passengers. The world owes a debt of gratitude to these heroes — especially Captain Smit Machchhar, who sustained injuries fighting the attacker and still managed to unlock the cockpit door and allow others to land the plane,” said Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10). “Were it not for his extraordinary courage, this story could have ended in horrific tragedy. I wish Captain Machchhar, the crew, and all the passengers healing and strength as we await a comprehensive investigation into this harrowing incident.”

On September 30, Flight 1073 departed Dubai for Tel Aviv carrying approximately 174 passengers and six crew, including 4 U.S. citizens and 27 children. Midway through the flight, the first officer attacked the captain with the aircraft’s emergency crash axe and tried to seize the controls, sending the plane plunging more than 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds. Despite grave injuries, Captain Machchhar, a citizen of India, fought off the attack and unlocked the cockpit door so off-duty pilots could enter and land the plane, and so crew and passengers could restrain the first officer. The aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia with everyone accounted for. On October 3, the Attorney General of the United Arab Emirates announced that the investigation had determined the first officer attempted to carry out a terrorist act.

The resolution:

• Honors Captain Machchhar for extraordinary courage in protecting every soul aboard his aircraft;
• Commends the off-duty pilots, cabin crew, and passengers who secured the flight deck and brought the aircraft safely down;
• Wishes Captain Machchhar and all who were injured a full recovery;
• Condemns the attack as an act of terrorism and an attack on the safety of international civil aviation;
• Calls for a full and expeditious investigation by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and for the United States and Israel to be kept fully informed.

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