Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar recovering well, says Indian Embassy

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is recovering well in Abu Dhabi after being injured in an alleged cockpit attack aboard flydubai flight FZ1073. The Indian Embassy said he remains under excellent medical care and is coordinating with his family and authorities

Abu Dhabi: Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073, is responding well to treatment and continues to receive medical attention, the Indian Embassy in the UAE said on Saturday.

The mission said it was coordinating with his family and local authorities. It also thanked the UAE government for the care being extended to him.

---

“Indian braveheart Capt. Smit remains under excellent medical care & is recovering well. We are in touch with his family & local authorities, extending support for a speedy recovery. Our thanks to UAE gov. for their care. We join well-wishers in praying for his good health,” the Indian mission posted on X.

Captain Machchhar was injured while preventing an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft on Wednesday aboard the flydubai flight from Dubai to Israel.

During the incident, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Captain Machchhar and the aircraft began to plummet.

The Indian pilot fought the attacker and managed to open the cockpit door, following which passengers rushed to assist, entered the cockpit and overpowered him.

Once the attacker was subdued, the seriously wounded Indian pilot was stabilised until the aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke with Captain Machchhar over a video call, praising his courage, presence of mind and composure during the mid-air incident in which he helped save the lives of passengers and crew members.

During the conversation, Modi said the country could proudly say that Indians are not those who take lives, but those who are willing to risk their own lives to save others.

“The whole country is praying for you. Maha Mrityunjaya Jaap is being performed for you and your health. Your courage, presence of mind and composure saved many lives. The country can proudly say that Indians are not those who take lives, but those who are willing to risk their own lives to save others,” Modi said.

Captain Machchhar nodded and responded, “Yes, sir.”

The Indian pilot has also received recognition from across the world, with leaders and people lauding his bravery and actions that helped save the passengers and crew members during the mid-air attack.