Pride and prayers in Mumbai’s Tilak Nagar as neighbours await Smit Machchhar’s recovery
Captain Smit Machchhar is recovering after being injured while thwarting an attack in the cockpit of a flydubai flight. His bravery, which ensured the safety of 174 passengers, has been praised by Maharashtra's Chief Minister and his local community.
Why it matters
The incident highlights aviation security risks and the heroic actions of flight crew in emergency situations.
Pride over Captain Smit Machchhar’s bravery aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 was tempered by an anxious wait for news of his recovery in Mumbai’s Chembur West on Thursday, as childhood friends, neighbours and local residents recalled the pilot they knew and prayed for his return home.
Mr. Machchhar was seriously injured during an attack inside the cockpit of the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight on Wednesday. Despite his injuries, he managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing others on board to intervene. The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers, subsequently landed safely at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. Mr. Machchhar underwent surgery before being shifted to Dubai for further treatment.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met the uncle and aunt of Captain Smit Machchar and termed it as a “moment of pride for Maharashtra and India”.
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