Indian Embassy says injured pilot is receiving excellent medical care at an Abu Dhabi hospital.
Dubai/Abu Dhabi: Captain Smit Machchhar, who was injured during an incident aboard a flydubai flight, is receiving excellent medical care and recovering well, according to the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
In a health update posted on X on Saturday, the embassy said it remains in contact with Machchhar’s family and local authorities. It also expressed its appreciation to the UAE government for the medical care and support being provided to the injured pilot.
Machchhar, an Indian pilot based in Dubai and working for flydubai, was injured during a violent confrontation on the flight deck of a flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday.
He was commanding the Boeing 737 MAX 8 when the aircraft activated the emergency transponder code 7700. Machchhar was reportedly stabbed by the co-pilot during the incident, prompting the flight to divert to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar was later airlifted to Abu Dhabi for medical treatment. Indian Ambassador to the UAE Dr Deepak Mittal visited the pilot and his family at the hospital on Thursday.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar’s actions, describing him as a hero whose courage helped save hundreds of lives and prevent a major tragedy.
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) also praised the courage and swift response of Machchhar, the crew of flight FZ1073 and the passengers who assisted in bringing the situation under control.
The aviation authority said the findings of its investigation will be released through official channels once all procedures have been completed. It also urged the public to avoid circulating speculation while the investigation remains underway.
