‘Recovering well’: UAE gives update on Captain Smit Machchhar after cockpit attack

Dubai: Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is recovering well after being seriously injured in the cockpit attack aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073. India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, visited Machchhar and his family at the hospital after the pilot was moved from Saudi Arabia to the UAE for further treatment.

Captain Smit Machchhar is in good health and recovering well after being seriously injured during the mid-air incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, the Indian Embassy in the UAE said on Thursday.

Indian Ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal visited Machchhar and his family at the hospital and was briefed about his condition. The embassy said it remains in close coordination with local authorities to support his continued medical care and well-being.

Machchhar was flown from Saudi Arabia to the UAE after receiving treatment in Tabuk, where the aircraft had made an emergency landing following the cockpit incident. Reports said he had suffered serious injuries during the altercation.

What happened aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073

The Boeing 737 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday with 174 people on board when an altercation broke out in the cockpit.

According to accounts from Israeli officials and international media, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft. The aircraft subsequently lost a significant amount of altitude before control was regained. The wounded captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and help restrain the alleged attacker.

The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Other pilots travelling on the flight also helped stabilise the aircraft.

UAE launches investigation

The UAE has opened a specialised investigation into the incident. Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi ordered a team of public prosecutors to examine the circumstances, causes and possible motive behind the cockpit altercation.

Investigators will also examine whether the incident was connected to terrorist activity or intent, or whether there was any prior planning or direction. The UAE has not established that the incident was a terrorist attack and has urged the public and media to avoid speculation while the investigation continues.

The UAE says its judicial authorities have jurisdiction because Flydubai is a UAE-registered carrier operating under the country's flag. Saudi Arabia and Israel are also involved in investigations into different aspects of the incident.

Machchhar’s actions praised

Machchhar has received praise from Indian and Israeli leaders for his actions during the emergency. The Indian government has described his response as an example of courage and presence of mind.

Reports say Machchhar had worked with SpiceJet for more than a decade before joining Flydubai in 2022 and has around 15 years of flying experience.

For now, investigators are focused on establishing exactly what happened inside the cockpit, why the alleged attack occurred and whether it involved any wider planning. The UAE has cautioned against treating unverified claims about the motive as established findings while the investigation remains underway.

The incident has raised wider questions about cockpit security and the procedures used to assess and monitor flight crew. However, several key details remain subject to investigation, including the alleged attacker's motive and the precise sequence of events inside the cockpit.

The UAE investigation is particularly significant because it is examining not only the immediate altercation but also whether there was any prior planning or connection to terrorist activity. Until investigators complete their work, claims about motive should be treated as allegations rather than established facts.