Flydubai cockpit attack: Injured Indian pilot Smit Machchhar airlifted to Abu Dhabi

Machchhar is currently stable, according to reports.

Indian Ambassador meets pilot’s family

India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Dr. Deepak Mittal, on Thursday said he met Machchhar’s family and assured them of the Indian government’s full support for the captain’s well-being and welfare.

Mittal praised Machchhar’s bravery and the manner in which he acted to save lives after his co-pilot allegedly attempted to take control of the aircraft.

Speaking to DD News, Mittal said he met Machchhar’s wife, brother and other family members in Dubai.

“I have today met the family, the wife, the brother and other members of the family in Dubai and reassured them of the Government of India’s full support to ensure the well-being and welfare of the Captain,” he said.

Machchhar injured during cockpit confrontation

Machchhar was seriously injured during the alleged confrontation after his co-pilot reportedly attempted to take control of the aircraft.

The flight, carrying 174 passengers, subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

According to passenger accounts, Machchhar, despite suffering serious injuries, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and intervene.

 Israeli dentist treats injured pilot

Israeli dentist Dr. Shota Musaev was among the passengers who rushed towards the cockpit after hearing screams.

Musaev and other passengers helped overpower and restrain the suspected attacker before he turned his attention to the injured captain.

Musaev, who said he was the only doctor aboard the flight, told Ynet that Machchhar was in a very serious condition when he reached him, suffering from heavy bleeding from his head and hands.

“I was the only doctor on the plane. I managed to stop the bleeding, and the pilot was fairly stable until shortly before landing, when his condition deteriorated somewhat,” Musaev said.