Indian envoy Deepak Mittal says the injured flydubai captain is in good spirits as the Indian community rallies behind him
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is recovering well and remains in good spirits, Indian Ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal said, as prayers continued to be offered for his recovery following last week’s mid-air cockpit attack.
The latest update came after a special prayer gathering was held at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Swamis and devotees gathered at the temple to pray for Machchhar and honour his actions during the emergency aboard flydubai flight FZ1073.
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Responding to the temple’s gesture, Mittal said prayers were continuing for the captain’s good health
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He added that the Indian Embassy remained in contact with UAE authorities and Machchhar’s family and was providing all possible assistance
Machchhar was seriously injured when his co-pilot allegedly attacked him during the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight on October 1. Despite his injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene. The aircraft, carrying more than 170 people, was subsequently diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The captain was initially treated in Saudi Arabia before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further medical care. Earlier, the Indian Embassy said he was in good health and recovering well after Ambassador Mittal visited him and his family at the hospital.
Machchhar has received widespread recognition for his actions, including praise from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed. The investigation into the attack and the co-pilot’s motives remains ongoing.
