Captain Smit Machchhar injured in cockpit attack receives support from PM Modi as treatment continues
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the wife and parents of Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who was seriously injured during a cockpit incident involving a flydubai flight.
Machchhar is continuing to receive treatment in Saudi Arabia following the incident aboard flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to government sources, Modi spoke with the pilot’s family and assured them that Indian diplomatic missions were providing all possible assistance.
The Prime Minister had earlier praised Machchhar publicly, describing him as a “HERO” for his actions during the emergency.
An altercation reportedly took place inside the cockpit while the aircraft was in flight on Wednesday. Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar was able to unlock the cockpit door, allowing other crew members and passengers to intervene.
The aircraft was subsequently brought under control and diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Machchhar was taken to a hospital and remains under medical care.
Flydubai has confirmed that an altercation occurred on the flight deck and said crew members who were travelling on the aircraft helped secure the plane before it was diverted.
Modi, in an earlier post on X, praised the captain’s conduct during the emergency and said his actions helped protect the passengers and prevent a major disaster.
The Ministry of External Affairs has also confirmed that Indian authorities are assisting Machchhar and his family.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the pilot’s response as an act of remarkable courage and said he was receiving medical attention.
The Indian mission in Saudi Arabia is maintaining contact with the family and coordinating with the Saudi authorities regarding his treatment.