New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh) — Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian aviator who averted a major aviation catastrophe after being stabbed by his co-pilot aboard a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, has been airlifted to Abu Dhabi to receive advanced specialized medical care.
The violent incident took place mid-air aboard Boeing 737 flight FZ1073 en route from Dubai. According to authorities, the co-pilot attacked Captain Machchhar with a sharp weapon in an attempt to hijack the flight deck and seize control of the aircraft. Despite sustaining severe stab wounds and fighting for his life, the seasoned commander maintained presence of mind to unlock the flight deck door, allowing additional crew members and passengers to rush inside, subdue the assailant, and safely regain command of the airliner.
The aircraft was safely diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, saving the lives of all 174 passengers and crew members on board. Captain Machchhar was initially stabilized at a local hospital in Tabuk before arrangements were finalized on Thursday to transfer him by air ambulance to a premier medical facility in the United Arab Emirates for critical care.
Captain Machchhar brings over 13 years of commercial aviation expertise to the flight deck, having accumulated nearly 9,750 flying hours mostly on Boeing 737 aircraft, including an 11-year tenure as a Line Training Captain at SpiceJet prior to joining flydubai.
The pilot’s extraordinary bravery has drawn widespread domestic and international acclaim. In India, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced that the state will bestow its prestigious Visisht Gujarat Garima Award upon Captain Machchhar in honour of his valour and presence of mind. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out personally to the pilot’s father Bhupendrabhai, mother Gitaben, and wife Sonalben to express solidarity and review his medical recovery, noting that Machchhar’s steadfast actions averted an immense tragedy and made the entire nation proud.
Global leaders have also lauded the pilot’s fortitude under extreme duress. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar’s heroism during an interview, observing that the captain’s determination to open the cockpit while battling grave injuries prevented an event akin to the September 11 attacks. Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh similarly commended the pilot while calling for heightened global cooperation against international terrorism.
