UAE adviser praises Indian pilot Smit Machchhar after flydubai cockpit attack

A senior adviser to the UAE President has praised Indian captain Smit Machchhar for his actions during what he described as a serious terrorist incident on board a flydubai flight, saying the pilot showed courage and responsibility in preventing a potential catastrophe.

Machchhar was stabbed and seriously injured by his co-pilot in the cockpit of flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. Despite his injuries, he fought back and opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers to overpower the attacker. The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers, landed safely in Saudi Arabia, where the co-pilot was taken into custody.

According to Gulf News, UAE President's diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash wrote on X, "Indian flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar deserves the highest praise. In confronting a serious terrorist incident and a potential catastrophe, he embodied courage and responsibility." He added in Arabic, "His professionalism and moral conviction in the darkest of circumstances make him a true hero."

Gargash also said vigilance was essential in dealing with possible future acts of extremism and terrorism, and warned against promoting conspiracy theories about the attack.

After receiving initial treatment at a hospital in Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where the plane had landed, Machchhar was shifted to Abu Dhabi for further medical care. Indian Ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal said on Thursday that Machchhar was "in good health and recovering well". He also met the pilot's family and conveyed the full support of the Government of India in ensuring the welfare and well-being of the "Indian Hero".

The incident on flight FZ1073 ended with all 174 passengers safe, the attacker in custody, and Machchhar continuing treatment in Abu Dhabi after being praised by both UAE and Indian authorities for his actions.