New Delhi /Dubai : India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, met the family of Captain Smit Machchhar in Dubai on Thursday and assured them of the Indian Government’s complete support for the injured pilot’s recovery. Consul General E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy accompanied him. Officials from the mission also updated the family on the captain’s condition and ongoing treatment.
Machchhar, an Indian national, was the pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which was hit by a violent cockpit incident on September 30. Preliminary reports say the co-pilot attacked him, after which the Boeing 737 plunged sharply while over Saudi Arabia. The aircraft reportedly dropped about 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds, though some reports put the total fall at more than 17,000 feet.
Despite his serious injuries, Machchhar is said to have opened the cockpit door, allowing crew and passengers to rush in and overpower the attacker. Passengers, including Yaniv Hayun, helped restrain the assailant, and off-duty pilots travelling on the flight then helped regain control of the aircraft.
The plane was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. All 174 people on board survived, including 27 children, according to Indian media reports. Machchhar was treated at a hospital in Tabuk, where he underwent emergency surgery, and was later moved to Dubai for further care.
His actions have drawn praise from world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said his courage helped avert a possible mid-air catastrophe.
The UAE has opened an investigation into the incident’s circumstances and motive, including whether it was linked to terrorism, prior planning or outside direction. Authorities have urged against drawing conclusions before the probe is complete.
The Indian Embassy and Consulate remain in touch with UAE authorities and the pilot’s family and have promised continued support during his recovery.