Goa, Sept. 30 -- Smit Machchhar, the Flydubai captain at the centre of a dramatic mid-air incident involving a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, has been identified by Israeli media as a pilot of Indian origin.

Machchhar was reportedly involved in a violent confrontation with his co-pilot inside the cockpit of Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was carrying around 180 passengers. According to reports, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to interfere with the aircraft's operation.

Machchhar is reported to have fought back and taken steps to prevent the aircraft from being put in danger. The flight subsequently continued towards Tel Aviv, where the co-pilot was reportedly arrested.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu s...