Indian Envoy to UAE Meets Family of ‘Hero’ Pilot in Dubai
Ambassador Deepak Mittal assures Captain Smit Machchhar’s family of continued government support as the injured pilot recovers in Saudi Arabia.
DUBAI, Oct 1: Indian Ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal on Thursday met the family of Captain Smit Machchhar in Dubai and assured them of the Indian government’s full support as the pilot recovers from serious injuries sustained during an alleged attempt to bring down a flydubai aircraft.
Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot inside the cockpit of flydubai flight FZ1073 while it was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. Despite suffering serious injuries, he is reported to have resisted the alleged attack and helped enable passengers and crew members to overpower the co-pilot.
Mittal, accompanied by Indian Consul General in Dubai Emmadi Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, briefed Machchhar’s family about his condition and recovery. The two officials also conveyed that the Indian Embassy and Consulate remain in contact with UAE authorities and will continue extending assistance to the family.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X that the ambassador had met the family and conveyed the government’s support for Machchhar’s welfare and well-being.
The Indian mission in the UAE expressed pride in the pilot’s actions, describing his conduct during the incident as an example of exceptional bravery and selfless service.
Mittal also said he had conveyed the government’s greetings to the family and assured them of continued assistance for the pilot’s welfare.
Machchhar is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk city in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had described Machchhar as a “true hero” following the incident. He said the pilot, despite being stabbed and seriously injured, fought back, resisted the attacker and opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene.
According to details released after the incident, flight FZ1073 transmitted emergency signals before making a steep descent of more than 17,000 feet from an altitude of 34,000 feet. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Tabuk.
The flight was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children. The aircraft landed safely at the Saudi airport.
The co-pilot, who is believed to be an Omani national, was arrested after the incident and was being questioned by Saudi authorities.
The episode has drawn attention to Machchhar’s actions during the emergency, while Indian authorities continue to monitor his recovery and remain in contact with his family.
