First visuals of Captain Smit Machchhar emerge; injured pilot airlifted to Abu Dhabi
First visuals of Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar have emerged following the mid-air cockpit attack aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv. The images show Machchhar outside the aircraft with his chest and abdomen heavily bandaged after he was stabbed inside the cockpit.
Separately, Machchhar is now being airlifted to Abu Dhabi for advanced medical treatment after being initially stabilised at a hospital in Saudi Arabia. He suffered substantial blood loss in the attack, and doctors had initially feared that his injuries could prove fatal.
Machchhar was operating Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv when his co-pilot attacked him with a knife and attempted to take control of the Boeing 737.
Despite his serious injuries, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door. This gave crew members and passengers access to the flight deck, allowing them to intervene and disarm the attacker.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where Machchhar received initial treatment before arrangements were made to transfer him to Abu Dhabi for specialised care.
Machchhar has more than 13 years of experience in commercial aviation and nearly 9,750 flying hours, primarily on Boeing 737 aircraft. He previously served for 11 years as a Line Training Captain with SpiceJet.
His actions have drawn praise from leaders in India and abroad. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced that the state government would confer the ‘Visisht Gujarat Garima Award’ on Machchhar, citing his quick thinking and selflessness.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Machchhar's father, mother and wife to enquire about his health and extend his support to the family.
"Captain Smit of India demonstrated remarkable patience, presence of mind, and courage," Modi said, adding that Machchhar's actions had made Indians proud.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised the Indian pilot's actions. Speaking to CBS News, Netanyahu described the incident as a "tremendous act of heroism" and said Machchhar had unlocked the cockpit door while fighting for his life, helping prevent what he described as another 9/11-style crash.
With agency inputs