The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi confirmed Tuesday that Captain Smit Machchhar is showing steady improvement in his recovery. The flydubai pilot sustained severe head and hand injuries during an incident on September 30 aboard flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which the UAE Attorney General has classified as an attempted terrorist attack. Dentist recalls 40-minute fight to save flydubai pilot.
In a social media statement, the embassy noted that the captain is regaining his health and continues to make steady progress. Officials remain in constant communication with his family, medical staff, and local authorities to provide necessary support. The mission expressed gratitude for the public’s prayers and well-wishes for his recovery. We thank everyone for their prayers & wish him a speedy recovery,” it added.
The mid-air crisis occurred while 174 passengers and crew were on board. Authorities allege that the co-pilot used a crash axe to attack the captain in the cockpit in an effort to seize control of the aircraft. Despite suffering deep wounds and significant blood loss, Captain Smit managed to unlock the cockpit door, enabling crew members and passengers to intervene.
Dr. Shota Musaev, a dentist who was a passenger on the flight, provided critical assistance during the emergency. He described applying pressure to the captain’s deep wounds using ice and t-shirts for approximately 45 minutes as the flight diverted toward Saudi Arabia. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 landed safely in Tabuk, where the pilot received initial treatment before being transferred to Abu Dhabi. Where he is recovering and receiving medical care, he was treated there and later transferred to Abu Dhabi.
The pilot’s actions have received widespread recognition. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence, visited the hospital to commend the captain’s bravery and dedication to human life. Similarly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached out to discuss the incident and praise his response.
Dr. Deepak Mittal, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, honored the pilot as a brave son of India following an early hospital visit. Furthermore, the government of Gujarat has announced that Captain Smit will be awarded the Visisht Gujarat Garima Award for his conduct. While the investigation into the attempted takeover remains ongoing, the aviation community continues to acknowledge his pivotal role in preventing a potential disaster.