Indian flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was in stable condition after being injured during an incident aboard a flight that was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, September 30.
In a post on X on Thursday, October 1, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said it and the Consulate in Jeddah had been following Machchhar’s health condition. It said he was admitted to a hospital in Tabuk city and was receiving necessary medical attention. A full update on his health was awaited, but he was reported to be stable.
The embassy said it was in touch with his family and would continue to follow up with Saudi authorities and extend all possible assistance for his wellbeing.
flydubai flight diverted to Tabuk
Machchhar was the captain of flydubai flight FZ1073, which was operating from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.
The flight was diverted to Tabuk after an incident in the cockpit while carrying 174 passengers. The aircraft landed safely, with all passengers and crew accounted for.
Indian pilot opened cockpit door
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said Machchhar fought back after being stabbed in the cockpit. Despite being severely injured, he managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing Israeli passengers and the Emirati crew to enter and intervene.
The ministry said their actions helped save all passengers on board and described the incident as an act of courage involving Indian, Israeli and Emirati nationals.
The circumstances surrounding the cockpit incident and the motive behind the attack remain under investigation.
Israel PM praise Machchhar
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar for his actions during the incident and wished him a full and speedy recovery.
Netanyahu said the captain had continued to fight back despite being injured and helped enable passengers and crew members to overpower the attacker.
