Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar shifted to Abu Dhabi for continued medical attention
Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has been transferred to Abu Dhabi for continued medical care following a mid-air stabbing incident by his co-pilot. The pilot is being hailed as a hero for preventing a potential crash during the flight to Tel Aviv.
Why it matters
The incident has raised serious international concerns regarding aviation security and the mental health screening of airline personnel.
The Ministry of External Affairs released a statement on Thursday (October 1, 2026) noting that the Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar had been shifted to Abu Dhabi for continued medical attention and recovery.
Mr. Machchhar was attacked during an altercation inside the cockpit of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday (September 30, 2026). The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where he received initial medical treatment.
The MEA said it was closely monitoring the pilot’s health.
“We continue to closely follow the health condition of Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national and the brave pilot of Flydubai flight FZ 1073,” the Ministry said in the statement.
“Our Ambassador in UAE met Captain Machchhar in hospital and enquired about his well being,” it added. The Ambassador had also met his family and assured all possible support for the Captain’s health and well being.
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