Indian pilot Smit Machchhar recovering after flydubai cockpit attack, embassy says

Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who was seriously injured after being attacked by his co-pilot aboard a flydubai flight, is making steady progress and recovering, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi said on Tuesday.

In a health update posted on X, the embassy said, “Capt. Smit continues to make steady progress and is regaining his health.” It added that the mission remains in close contact with Machchhar’s family, doctors and local authorities and is extending all possible assistance.

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The embassy also thanked people for their prayers and wished the pilot a speedy recovery.

The incident

Machchhar was seriously injured on September 30 during flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia following the incident.

Machchhar was seriously injured on September 30 during flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia following the incident.

According to the UAE Attorney General, Hamad Al Shamsi, the co-pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft. The UAE has described the incident as an attempted terrorist act. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances, motive, possible prior planning and any wider links.

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The attack caused the aircraft to lose altitude rapidly. Flight-tracking data showed the Boeing 737 plunged by around 14,000 feet during the cockpit confrontation. Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and a reserve pilot to enter and intervene. Passengers helped overpower and restrain the attacker, while two reserve flydubai pilots who were travelling on the aircraft helped stabilise the flight. The aircraft was then diverted towards Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

One passenger, dentist Dr Shota Musaev, provided emergency medical assistance to Machchhar during the flight. He treated the pilot for about 45 minutes, using clothing and ice to control heavy bleeding from his injuries and monitoring his condition until the aircraft landed.

Machchhar was later taken to Abu Dhabi for further medical treatment. He also spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his hospital bed following the incident. The captain has been praised for his actions in helping prevent a potentially serious aviation disaster.

In its latest update, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi said Machchhar continues to make steady progress and is regaining his health. The embassy said it remains in contact with his family, doctors and local authorities and is providing all possible assistance.

The UAE investigation into the incident is continuing, with authorities examining the motive and other circumstances surrounding the attack. Flydubai has also said that the official investigation should be allowed to establish the facts.