Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar airlifted to Abu Dhabi

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who bravely thwarted a mid-air attack on a Flydubai flight, is currently receiving medical treatment in Abu Dhabi following the incident. On Wednesday, the 174 passengers on board Flight FZ1073, which was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, narrowly avoided a potential crash when Machchhar confronted his co-pilot.

The co-pilot, believed to be an Omani national, launched a vicious attack inside the cockpit, stabbing Machchhar and plunging the aircraft nearly 14,000 feet in mere seconds. Despite his severe injuries, Machchhar demonstrated extraordinary courage by successfully opening the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the assailant.

Two off-duty Flydubai pilots on board the plane swiftly assisted in regaining control of the aircraft, which landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All 174 passengers safely reached Israel, free from harm.

Indian authorities, including the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah, have been closely monitoring Machchhar's condition and have been in contact with his family and Saudi authorities throughout this ordeal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Machchhar's heroism, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended the pilot's selflessness and quick thinking in averting a potential disaster.