India’s UAE envoy Deepak Mittal met Captain Smit Machchhar’s family in Dubai after the FlyDubai pilot was injured during an inflight incident…reports Asian Lite News Desk
India’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Deepak Mittal, has visited the family of Captain Smit Machchhar in Dubai and assured them of the Indian government’s full support and assistance.
Captain Machchhar, an Indian pilot with FlyDubai, was injured after an incident involving another pilot on flight FZ1073 on Wednesday. The aircraft was later forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, where Captain Machchhar was taken to hospital for treatment.
In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs said: “Ambassador of India to the UAE met Captain Smit Machchhar’s family in Dubai and conveyed Government of India’s full support and assistance for his welfare and well-being.”
According to the account of the incident, another pilot stabbed Captain Machchhar while the aircraft was in flight, causing the aircraft to begin plummeting. Captain Machchhar fought the assailant and opened the cockpit door, after which passengers entered the cockpit and overpowered the attacker.
Captain Machchhar was seriously wounded during the incident. Passengers and others on board helped care for him and stabilise his condition until the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Following his visit to the family, Ambassador Mittal posted on X: “We are proud of Capt Smit for his bravery to save so many lives and avert a tragedy. Just met the family and conveyed greetings, conveyed full support of the Government of India in ensuring welfare and well-being of the Indian Hero.”
The Consulate General of India in Dubai said Mittal was accompanied by E Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, India’s Consul General, during the meeting with Captain Machchhar’s family members.
The Indian mission said the officials briefed the family about Captain Machchhar’s health and recovery and told them that the Embassy and Consulate were in contact with the UAE authorities.
“They briefed the family about Captain Machchhar’s health and recovery, conveyed that the Embassy and Consulate are in touch with the UAE authorities, and assured the family of continued support. They also conveyed appreciation for Captain Machchhar’s extraordinary courage, presence of mind and selfless efforts in saving precious lives,” the Indian mission posted on X.
Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Captain Machchhar’s wife and parents and praised his bravery, according to people familiar with the matter.
“PM Modi has spoken to the wife and parents of Captain Smit Machchhar. PM applauded the bravery of Captain Smit, who saved hundreds of lives,” sources said.
The Prime Minister also stressed that Indian missions were providing all possible assistance to the pilot.
Captain Machchhar is currently admitted to a hospital in Tabuk city in north-west Saudi Arabia, where he is receiving medical treatment.
The developments came as Indian authorities continued to coordinate with counterparts in the UAE and Saudi Arabia over the pilot’s condition and welfare.
The Indian mission’s statements highlighted the support being provided to Captain Machchhar’s family following the incident, while officials also conveyed appreciation for his actions during the emergency.
The incident has drawn attention to the actions of passengers and crew members who intervened after the reported attack in the cockpit. Captain Machchhar’s condition and recovery remain a focus for his family and Indian diplomatic authorities.
The response from Indian diplomatic authorities followed direct contact with the family in Dubai. The visit also provided an opportunity for officials to communicate information about the pilot’s recovery and to reiterate that diplomatic representatives remain engaged with the relevant authorities. The family was assured that support would continue as Captain Machchhar receives treatment in Saudi Arabia following the emergency landing. Officials said the pilot was receiving necessary medical treatment at the hospital.
