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Captain Smit Machchhar health update: Flydubai hero pilot stable, undergoing treatment at Saudi hospital

Captain Smit Machchhar remains stable following his intervention to save 174 passengers from an alleged suicide attempt by his co-pilot, Indian embassy officials reported.

  • On Thursday, Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is recovering in Abu Dhabi after being airlifted for specialized medical treatment following stab wounds sustained during a mid-air cockpit attack on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
  • Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the co-pilot underwent Islamist radical indoctrination before attempting to crash the plane, with crew members restraining him using earphone cords and plastic cuffs.
  • With over 13 years of experience and nearly 9,750 flying hours, Captain Machchhar unlocked the cockpit door while severely injured, enabling passengers and crew to intervene and save 174 lives on board.
  • Ambassador Deepak Mittal visited the pilot in the hospital, confirming he is in "good health," as the Indian Embassy in the UAE remains in close coordination with local authorities for his continued medical care.
  • Saudi Arabian authorities are conducting a preliminary investigation into the incident, after which the suspect will be transferred to Emirati authorities for a secondary investigation, with Israeli officials anticipating significant findings.
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The Statesman broke the news on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
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