Smit Machchhar Airlifted to Abu Dhabi After flydubai Cockpit Attack

Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot seriously injured in an alleged mid-air stabbing by his co-pilot aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, is being airlifted to Abu Dhabi for advanced medical care after initial treatment in Saudi Arabia, ANI reported on Thursday.

The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight diverted to Tabuk after the cockpit attack. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to unlock the flight-deck door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and overpower the alleged attacker.

The aircraft subsequently landed safely, with the intervention credited with saving 174 lives on board.

From Emergency Landing to Specialised Care

Machchhar was initially taken to a local hospital in Tabuk, where he was stabilised before arrangements were made for his transfer to Abu Dhabi.

According to the report, the co-pilot stabbed Machchhar and attempted to seize control of the Boeing 737 during the flight. The captain’s decision to open the cockpit door gave those on board a chance to intervene during the emergency.

Machchhar has more than 13 years of commercial aviation experience and nearly 9,750 flying hours, primarily on Boeing 737 aircraft. Before joining flydubai, he spent 11 years at SpiceJet, where he served as a Line Training Captain.

Modi Speaks to Pilot’s Family

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had spoken to Machchhar’s father Bhupendrabhai, mother Gitaben and wife Sonalben to enquire about his condition and offer support.

“Today, I had a conversation with his father Bhupendrabhai, his mother Gitaben, and his wife Sonalben. His medical treatment is currently ongoing, and today the entire world feels proud of him,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister praised the captain’s composure and courage during the attack.

“Captain Smit of India demonstrated remarkable patience, presence of mind, and courage,” he said, adding that the pilot’s actions had filled the country with pride.

Gujarat Announces Honour

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced that Machchhar would receive the ‘Visisht Gujarat Garima Award’, recognising his quick thinking and efforts to protect those on board.

The captain’s actions also drew praise from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who described the intervention as a “tremendous act of heroism” in an interview with CBS News.

Netanyahu said the seriously injured pilot had unlocked the cockpit while “fighting for his life”. He characterised the incident as one that could have resulted in a “9/11-style crash”.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh also commended Machchhar, saying 174 lives had been saved.

With inputs from ANI