Dubai, October 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Deepak Mittal, met the family of Captain Smit Machchhar in Dubai on Thursday and assured them of the Government of India’s full support following the pilot’s injury while preventing an alleged mid-air attack aboard a Flydubai flight.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a post on X that the ambassador had conveyed the government’s commitment to supporting the captain’s welfare and well-being.
Mittal also praised Machchhar’s courage, saying he was proud of the pilot for helping save lives and avert a major tragedy. “We are proud of Capt Smit for his bravery to save so many lives and avert a tragedy,” he wrote, adding that the government would extend all possible assistance to the family.
The ambassador was accompanied by India’s Consul General in Dubai, E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy. According to the Consulate General, the officials briefed the family on Machchhar’s health and recovery and said the Embassy and Consulate were in contact with UAE authorities to coordinate continued assistance.
The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to reports, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar in the cockpit, causing the aircraft to descend sharply.
Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the attacker. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. The captain is currently hospitalised in Tabuk and receiving medical treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Machchhar’s wife and parents on Thursday and praised his bravery, according to sources. The Prime Minister also assured the family that Indian missions were providing all possible assistance to the injured pilot.
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