Indian Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who was seriously injured after being attacked by his co-pilot during a mid-air cockpit confrontation, has been airlifted from Saudi Arabia to Dubai for further medical treatment. Machchhar was initially taken to a hospital in Tabuk after Flydubai flight FZ1073 made an emergency landing there on Wednesday.
According to the latest reports, Machchhar underwent emergency surgery at a hospital in Tabuk following the incident. He was subsequently flown to Dubai for further treatment. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia had earlier said that he was receiving necessary medical attention and was reported to be in stable condition, although a detailed medical bulletin had not been released.
The Indian Embassy in the UAE has also confirmed that Machchhar's family has reached Dubai from Mumbai. India's Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, and Consul General E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy met the family and briefed them about the captain's health and recovery. The embassy and consulate said they remain in contact with UAE authorities and assured the family of continued assistance.
What happened to Captain Smit Machchhar?
Machchhar was commanding Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a violent confrontation reportedly broke out inside the cockpit. The co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed him during the flight.
Despite being seriously injured and bleeding heavily, Machchhar managed to activate the cockpit door release. This allowed passengers and crew members to enter the cockpit and overpower the attacker. A second pair of Flydubai pilots who were travelling on the aircraft then helped take control of the plane and land it safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
The aircraft reportedly plunged almost 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds during the incident, according to Reuters. Passengers and crew members intervened as the aircraft descended rapidly, while the reserve pilots helped stabilise and land the plane.
Pilot's latest health status
Machchhar was described as stable by the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia earlier on Thursday. The Ministry of External Affairs also said he was "gravely injured" but safe and receiving medical attention. However, there has been no detailed official medical bulletin disclosing the full extent of his injuries or his recovery timeline.
His transfer to Dubai marks the latest development in his treatment after emergency surgery in Tabuk. His family is now in Dubai, while Indian diplomatic officials are coordinating with authorities and continuing to provide assistance.
Machchhar praised for saving passengers
Machchhar has been widely praised for his actions during the emergency. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu have lauded his courage, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also described him as a hero.
Modi said he had spoken to Machchhar's parents and wife and prayed for his recovery. The Prime Minister said the captain's courage and presence of mind helped avert a major tragedy.
Investigation into cockpit attack continues
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the cockpit confrontation and the motive behind the alleged attack. The UAE has launched an investigation into the incident, including whether it involved terrorism, prior planning or outside direction. The attacker was identified by Israeli officials as an Omani national and was taken into custody after the aircraft landed in Tabuk.
Flydubai has said the aircraft was successfully secured by crew members on board and that all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for. The airline has also cautioned against premature speculation while the investigation continues.
Latest health update: Captain Smit Machchhar has been airlifted from Saudi Arabia to Dubai after undergoing emergency surgery in Tabuk. He had earlier been reported to be stable, but authorities have not yet issued a detailed medical bulletin on his present condition. His family is now in Dubai and receiving assistance from Indian diplomatic officials.
