Capt Smit Machchhar recovering after courageous mid-air intervention (Img: IANS)
New Delhi: Flydubai co-pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is recovering well. The Indian pilot who was injured while preventing a mid-air attack aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 is currently under medical care, the Indian Embassy in the UAE informed.
On Saturday, the Indian mission said it was coordinating with Machchhar’s family and local authorities while providing support for his recovery. It also expressed gratitude to the UAE government for the medical care being extended to the pilot.
"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.
Machchhar was injured on Wednesday while serving as pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Israel. The incident unfolded when another pilot allegedly attacked him with a knife inside the aircraft.
According to the account of the incident, Machchhar fought the assailant despite being injured and managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers then rushed forward, entered the cockpit and overpowered the attacker.
The Indian pilot was seriously wounded during the confrontation. After the attacker was subdued, Machchhar was stabilised while the aircraft continued towards an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar’s actions have since drawn widespread recognition, with people and leaders from different parts of the world praising his courage and presence of mind during the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Machchhar over a video call on Friday and praised his composure in a situation that posed a serious threat to everyone aboard the aircraft.
The Prime Minister began the conversation by enquiring about Machchhar’s health and said the entire country was praying for his recovery.
"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 lives to save others," PM Modi said.
Machchhar responded to the Prime Minister by saying, "Yes, sir."
The incident placed the Indian pilot in a critical situation after he was attacked inside the aircraft. Despite suffering serious injuries, he resisted the attacker and opened access to the cockpit.
The move enabled passengers to intervene and overpower the assailant, helping prevent the situation from escalating further.
Machchhar was then stabilised until the aircraft could make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, where he received medical attention.
The Indian Embassy’s latest update indicates that the pilot is responding well to treatment. The mission said it would continue coordinating with his family and local authorities while extending support during his recovery.
Machchhar’s actions have meanwhile become a symbol of courage and professional composure, with his response during the mid-air emergency credited with helping protect the passengers and crew aboard the flight.
