Heroic Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar Receives Praise After Flight Attack

Captain Smit Machchhar has been lauded for his extraordinary bravery after he was attacked by his co-pilot during a flight to Israel. The Dubai Crown Prince praised his courage, highlighting the pilot's quick actions that prevented a potential disaster. The Indian Embassy confirmed that Machchhar is recovering well and receiving medical care. The incident, which is being investigated as a possible terrorist act, involved the co-pilot using a crash axe in an attempt to take control of the aircraft. This article delves into the details of the attack and the subsequent response from authorities.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 3, 2026, 18:24 IST

Courage in Crisis: Captain Smit Machchhar's Bravery

Dubai: The Crown Prince of Dubai, Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, commended Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for his remarkable bravery in preventing a potential disaster during a flight to Israel.

Captain Machchhar sustained serious injuries after being attacked by his co-pilot on flydubai flight FZ1073, which was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

During a hospital visit, Crown Prince Hamdan shared images of their meeting on social media, expressing admiration for Machchhar's actions.

He emphasized that the pilot demonstrated exceptional courage, responsibility, and a commitment to safeguarding human life.

Hamdan stated, "We extend our utmost appreciation and respect to him. We take pride in having him as part of our team, contributing to the values of compassion and peace that define the UAE."

The Indian Embassy in the UAE reported that Machchhar is recovering well and is receiving appropriate medical attention.

"Our brave Captain Smit is under excellent care and is on the mend. We are coordinating with his family and local authorities to ensure a swift recovery," the embassy noted in a social media update.

They also expressed gratitude to the UAE government for its support in providing medical assistance to Machchhar and joined others in wishing him a speedy recovery.

The UAE is currently investigating the incident, which is being treated as a potential terrorist act.

According to UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the co-pilot attacked Machchhar with a crash axe while attempting to seize control of the aircraft.

Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to subdue the assailant, as reported earlier.

The co-pilot, identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, was involved in the attack, according to sources cited by a major news outlet.

The flight, which had 174 passengers on board, sent out emergency signals and descended rapidly from 34,000 feet to below 17,000 feet before making an emergency landing at Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

After receiving initial medical care in Tabuk, Machchhar was transferred to Abu Dhabi for further treatment.