India's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Deepak Mittal, on Thursday, 1 October 2026, visited Captain Smit Machchhar — the Flydubai pilot who was stabbed mid-flight while preventing a cockpit attack — at a hospital in Dubai and reported that the injured Indian aviator was in good spirits and recovering well.

'He was speaking openly, smiling and laughing, which was a great relief for us and, above all, for his family,' Ambassador Mittal said after the visit.

The Hospital Visit and India's Assurances

Ambassador Mittal, accompanied by E Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, India's Consul General, met Captain Machchhar's family members and briefed them on his health and recovery. The Indian Embassy confirmed it remains in constant touch with UAE authorities and is extending full cooperation and support. Mittal also conveyed the Government of India's appreciation for the pilot's 'extraordinary courage, presence of mind and selfless efforts in saving precious lives.'

Captain Machchhar had earlier been airlifted from Saudi Arabia to the Dubai hospital by Flydubai, following an emergency landing after the mid-air incident.

What Happened on Flydubai Flight FZ1073

During the incident on Wednesday, another pilot on board Flydubai flight FZ1073 stabbed Captain Machchhar inside the cockpit, causing the aircraft to begin plummeting. The wounded Indian pilot fought back against the assailant and managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers who rushed in overpowered the attacker. Once the attacker was subdued, emergency measures were taken to stabilise Captain Machchhar's condition until the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Authorities have attributed multiple lives saved directly to his actions under duress.

PM Modi Speaks to Captain Machchhar's Family

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with the family members of Captain Machchhar, according to sources familiar with the matter. 'PM Modi has spoken to the wife and parents of Captain Smit Machchhar. PM applauded the bravery of Captain Smit, who saved hundreds of lives,' sources said. The Prime Minister also stressed that Indian missions were providing all possible assistance to the pilot.

MEA and Indian Mission Response

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on X that the Ambassador had met the family and conveyed the Government of India's full support. Ambassador Mittal, speaking in an earlier interview, described the pilot's conduct in unequivocal terms: 'Captain Smit has demonstrated great bravery and courage in an exemplary manner to save so many precious lives and avert a great tragedy. So we are very proud of the brave son of India, and we are going to extend full cooperation and support.'

As Captain Machchhar continues to recover, the Indian government's focus remains on ensuring his medical care and keeping his family informed — with diplomatic channels in both Dubai and Riyadh fully activated.