Indian pilot Smit Macchachar, who was injured during yesterday’s terror attack aboard a Fly Dubai flight, was flown from Saudi Arabia to Dubai for further medical treatment after undergoing emergency surgery at a hospital in Tabuk, according to Indian media reports.
1+According to the report, Macchachar’s family members arrived in Dubai from Mumbai, and representatives from the Indian embassy in the United Arab Emirates met with them and updated them on his condition and recovery process. The embassy said it is in contact with UAE authorities and pledged to continue assisting the family.
Macchachar was injured during a confrontation in the cockpit of Fly Dubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to reports so far, the co-pilot, an Omani citizen, attacked the captain during the flight.
1+After the incident, the plane was diverted for an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Macchachar was taken to a local hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery, and was later transferred to Dubai for further treatment.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the captain, saying, “Captain Smit Macchachar showed the world the highest form of courage.” According to Modi, “Without fearing for his own life, he fought heroically and helped prevent a 9/11-style terror attack.”
Modi added that all of India is proud of the captain and is praying for his well-being. He spoke earlier with his family members and assured them that the Indian government and its representatives in the region will provide them with the necessary assistance.