Captain Smit Machchhar injured in Flydubai cockpit attack; Mumbai neighbours pray for speedy recovery

Neighbours of Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar’s family in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar expressed pride in his actions and prayed for his recovery on Thursday after he was seriously injured during an attack aboard a Flydubai flight.

Machchhar, who previously lived with his parents at Swastik Heights before moving to Dubai, was reportedly stabbed by his co-pilot during Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. Despite his injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to enter and restrain the attacker. The aircraft later made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Dr Jinit Shah, a neighbour who has known Machchhar for more than 15 years, described him as kind-hearted and helpful. He said the pilot’s parents had travelled to Saudi Arabia to be with him.

Residents and friends of the family said they had helped Machchhar’s parents leave for the airport after learning about the incident. They said the housing society planned to give the pilot a warm welcome when he returns.

His childhood friend Prateek Gandhi recalled him as calm and composed, saying those qualities were evident even when they played cricket together as children.

Machchhar’s actions have drawn praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Modi also spoke to the pilot’s wife and parents on Thursday and said Indian missions were providing assistance to the injured pilot.

Machchhar remains under treatment at a hospital in Tabuk. Indian officials have said he is safe and in stable condition, while the Indian Embassy is in contact with his family and Saudi authorities.