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Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar recovering in UAE hospital, Indian ambassador confirms
The ambassador said India was 'proud of its brave son' for demonstrating 'great bravery and courage in an exemplary manner'
- PUBLISHED: Thu 1 Oct 2026, 4:14 PM UPDATED: Thu 1 Oct 2026, 8:10 PM
The Indian pilot who was injured in the altercation during Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight FZ1073 on September 30 is "in good health and recovering well" in the UAE, the Indian embassy in the UAE confirmed on Thursday, October 1.
The diplomatic mission confirmed that India's ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal visited Captain Smit Machchhar and his family at the hospital. In a conversation with India's public broadcast company Prasar Bharati, Mittal stated that Captain Machchhar is in stable condition and his morale is high. "He was talking openly, smiling and laughing, which was a huge relief for us and, most importantly, for their family," he said.
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Dr. Mittal said that Machchhar is receiving good medical treatment in the UAE and that the Indian Embassy is in constant touch with UAE officials.
The diplomat earlier spoke with Indian news channel DD and shared details of his visit to the pilot's family. "I have met with Captain Smit’s wife, his brother and other members of the family in Dubai today,” he said on Thursday. “I have reassured them of government of India's full support to ensure the wellbeing and welfare of Captain Smit.”
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The Indian pilot has emerged as the central figure in one of the most dramatic aviation security incidents in recent Middle Eastern history, after sustaining injuries during the security incident.
Mittal added that the Indian missions are in touch with local UAE authorities who have assured their full support. Investigations are ongoing into the incident. Mittal said India was “proud of its brave son” for demonstrating “great bravery and courage in an exemplary manner”.
Watch here:
Amb @d_mittal73 speaks to DD News on Captain Smit Machchhar.#IndiaInUAE #SmitMachchhar pic.twitter.com/81trExDlU8
— India in UAE (@IndembAbuDhabi) October 1, 2026
Indian ministry closely following pilot's health
India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Thursday that they are continuing to closely follow the health condition of Machchhar. "After receiving initial medical treatment in a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, he has now been shifted to Abu Dhabi for continued medical attention and recovery. Our Ambassador in UAE met Captain Machchhar in hospital and enquired about his well being. Earlier, he also met his family and assured all possible support for the Captain's health and well-being," the ministry said.
"Our Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai are in close touch with the local authorities in the matter. We once again salute Captain Smit Machchhar's valour and courage. We also convey our deep appreciation for the admiration and support he has received from across the world for his act of gallantry," it added.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah confirmed on Wednesday that Machchhar was injured in the incident and is receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Indian media have reported that he underwent surgery and is in a stable condition. The flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the incident.
Captain Machchhar has over 13 years of commercial flying experience on the Boeing 737 fleet, including extensive service as a line training captain, with approximately 9,750 flying hours.
Meanwhile, the UAE Attorney-General said authorities are investigating whether the incident “was linked to any terrorist activity or purpose or involved prior planning or direction”.
Counsellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi ordered the formation of a special Public Prosecution investigation team to examine the incident. In a separate statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is “monitoring” the situation.
