Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar Recovering In Abu Dhabi Hospital After Cockpit Stabbing

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, is recovering well and is now “smiling, laughing and chatting” in an Abu Dhabi hospital, India’s ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, said.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday that it was closely monitoring Machchhar’s health and had assured his family of all possible support. The pilot was initially treated at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, before being shifted to Abu Dhabi for further medical care.

Indian Embassy In Touch With Pilot

According to the MEA, Machchhar received initial treatment in Tabuk after the incident before being transferred to Abu Dhabi. Ambassador Deepak Mittal visited him in hospital and enquired about his condition.

The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai are also in contact with local authorities regarding the incident.

The MEA praised Machchhar’s courage and said people across the world had extended support and admiration following the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also described the pilot as a “hero”, praising his actions while he was seriously injured.

PM Modi Speaks to Pilot Machchhar

PM Modi spoke to Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar over the phone on Friday, praising his bravery in preventing an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.

During the conversation, Modi and Machchhar also spoke in Gujarati for a while. The Prime Minister asked about the captain’s experience during the crisis and wished him a speedy recovery.

What Happened On Flydubai Flight FZ1073?

The incident took place on September 30, when flydubai flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to Saudi authorities, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 was carrying 174 passengers and eight crew members.

Machchhar was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot inside the cockpit. Both pilots were injured during the incident, after which the aircraft was diverted to Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk.

Flight-tracking data indicated that the aircraft lost more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds at one point. The aircraft also transmitted emergency signals, including code 7700, used for a general emergency, and code 7500, which indicates unlawful interference.

Pilot Helped Prevent Major Disaster

Despite being injured, Machchhar reportedly helped open the cockpit door, allowing other crew members and passengers to intervene.

Passengers and crew members helped restrain the alleged attacker, while additional pilots on board took control of the aircraft. The plane was subsequently diverted and landed safely in Tabuk.

The motive behind the alleged cockpit attack remains under investigation.

Pilots Shifted To Abu Dhabi

Saudi authorities said both Machchhar and the co-pilot were taken to a hospital in Tabuk following the emergency landing.

After their conditions improved and they were medically cleared, both were transferred to Abu Dhabi on Thursday morning accompanied by an Emirati security team.

Meanwhile, passengers on the flight continued their journey to Tel Aviv later on a replacement flydubai aircraft.