Heroic Indian Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar Recovering Well After Foiling Mid-Air Attack, Says Indian Embassy in UAE
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is recovering well after suffering injuries while successfully thwarting a mid-air cockpit attack on a flydubai flight, earning praise from PM Narendra Modi. 'We join well-wishers in praying for his good health," the Indian Embassy in the UAE posted in a post on X.
Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 who was seriously injured while preventing a mid-air attack earlier this week, is responding well to treatment and continuing to receive medical attention, the Indian Embassy in the UAE announced on Saturday, October 3. The diplomatic mission confirmed it is actively coordinating with his family and local authorities while expressing gratitude to the UAE government for the comprehensive care extended to the pilot.
Medical Status and Recovery
In a statement posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Indian mission provided an update on the captain's health following the harrowing incident during the Dubai-to-Israel flight. ‘I Was Reciting Hanuman Chalisa’: Smit Machchhar, Pilot Who Foiled Flydubai ‘Hijack’ Attempt, Gets Emotional Talking to PM Narendra Modi.
Indian Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar Recovering Well
"Indian braveheart Capt. Smit remains under excellent medical care & is recovering well. We are in touch with his family & local authorities, extending support for a speedy recovery. Our thanks to UAE gov. for their care. We join well-wishers in praying for his good health," the Indian mission posted. Captain Machchhar sustained injuries during an attack aboard the flydubai aircraft on Wednesday, September 30. when a mid-air confrontation unfolded in the cockpit.
The Cockpit Confrontation
According to incident details, the flight from Dubai faced an emergency when another pilot attacked Captain Machchhar, causing the aircraft to descend sharply. Despite serious injuries, the Indian pilot fought back and managed to unlock the cockpit door. Passengers immediately rushed to assist, entering the cockpit and overpowering the assailant. Once the attacker was subdued, the wounded captain was stabilised as the flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Global Recognition and PM Narendra Modi's Call
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Captain Machchhar via a video call on Friday, October 2, praising his exceptional courage, presence of mind, and composure during the crisis. During the conversation, PM Modi remarked that the nation could proudly state that Indians are willing to risk their own lives to save others.
"The whole country is praying for you. Maha Mrityunjaya Jaap is being performed for you and your health. Your courage, presence of mind and composure saved many lives. The country can proudly say that Indians are not those who take lives, but those who are willing to risk their lives to save others," PM Modi said. Captain Machchhar nodded and responded, "Yes, sir." Salman Khan Praises Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar for Courage During Mid-Air Attack.
The pilot has also received widespread international acclaim from global leaders and the public for actions that averted a major disaster and saved hundreds of lives.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 03, 2026 04:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).