Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who was injured after being allegedly attacked by his co-pilot aboard a flydubai flight, is recovering well at a hospital in Abu Dhabi. India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, said Machchhar was stable and in good spirits, describing him as “smiling, laughing and chatting” despite some discomfort.
Mittal met Machchhar and his family at the hospital and said he was reassured by the pilot’s condition. The ambassador said Machchhar was receiving good medical care and remained in positive spirits during their interaction.
Machchhar was initially taken to a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the emergency landing of flydubai flight FZ1073. He was later shifted to Abu Dhabi for further treatment and recovery.
The Ministry of External Affairs said it was closely monitoring the pilot’s health and that the Indian government was providing all possible assistance to his family. The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai are also in contact with local authorities regarding the case.
The incident took place on September 30 when 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 when the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit.
The aircraft subsequently experienced a dramatic loss of altitude. Flight-tracking data showed the plane falling more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Emergency signals were also transmitted, including code 7700, which indicates a general emergency, and code 7500, associated with unlawful interference or a possible hijacking.
Despite being injured, Machchhar reportedly managed to help open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene. The co-pilot was then restrained, while other pilots on board assisted in taking control of the aircraft.
The flight was diverted to Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, where it landed safely. Both pilots were taken to hospital for treatment following the incident.
After receiving initial medical care, Machchhar and the co-pilot were later moved to Abu Dhabi after being medically cleared, accompanied by an Emirati security team. Passengers on the flight continued their journey to Tel Aviv on a replacement flydubai aircraft.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also spoken with Machchhar and praised his courage during the emergency. The MEA described the pilot's actions as an example of “valour and courage” and said his efforts had drawn admiration and support from people in India and around the world.
Meanwhile, the circumstances surrounding the cockpit attack remain under investigation. Authorities are examining what led to the confrontation and the events that unfolded inside the aircraft before the emergency landing.
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