Special prayers were offered at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, 4 October 2025, for the swift recovery of flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, even as the Indian Embassy in the UAE confirmed he is recovering well and in good spirits. The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) said swamis and devotees came together to honour his 'remarkable courage and bravery.'

Embassy Confirms Captain's Recovery

Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, shared the BAPS prayer message on his official X account, stating: 'Prayers continue to flow in for good health of Captain Smit. He is recovering well and in good spirits. Embassy remains in touch with the local authorities and the family and extending all possible assistance.'

This comes amid an outpouring of support from across the world since Captain Machchhar's act of extraordinary bravery on 30 September 2025, when he single-handedly fought off a knife-wielding attacker inside the cockpit of a Dubai-to-Israel flight, helping save the lives of over 170 passengers and crew members.

Dubai Crown Prince Visits Captain in Hospital

On Saturday, Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, personally visited Captain Machchhar in hospital. In a post on X, Hamdan bin Mohammed paid tribute: 'During a visit to Captain Smit Machchhar... the flydubai pilot who embodied the highest degrees of courage, responsibility, and care for human life. From us, and from the leadership of the nation, he has our full appreciation and praise. We are proud that he is part of our team... part of the story of our nation... and part of what the UAE stands for... a nation of compassion... a nation of peace... and a nation of life.'

PM Modi's Video Call and Words of Praise

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Captain Machchhar over a video call, praising his courage, presence of mind, and composure during the mid-air crisis. PM Modi told the pilot: 'The whole country is praying for you. Maha Mrityunjaya Jaap is being performed for you and your health. Your courage, presence of mind and composure saved many lives. The country can proudly say that Indians are not those who take lives, but those who are willing to risk their lives to save others.' Captain Machchhar responded affirmatively, nodding and saying, 'Yes, sir.'

What Happened on the Dubai-Israel Flight

The Indian-origin pilot was stabbed inside the cockpit during a mid-air attack on 30 September on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Israel. Following the stabbing, the aircraft began to plummet. Captain Machchhar fought off the assailant, managed to open the cockpit door, and passengers rushed in to help overpower the attacker. The seriously wounded pilot was subsequently stabilised, and the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

About the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi

The BAPS Hindu Mandir holds the distinction of being the first Hindu temple built in the Gulf nation. Inaugurated in February 2024, it has since welcomed an astonishing 2.2 million visitors in its first year alone, establishing itself as a landmark of faith and cultural diplomacy in the region. The prayers for Captain Machchhar reflect both community solidarity and the wider global response to his heroism.

With Captain Machchhar continuing his recovery and international support showing no signs of abating, all eyes remain on the ongoing investigation into the cockpit attack and whether further security protocols will be reviewed across the region's aviation sector.