India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday, 1 October 2026 conveyed its deep appreciation for the global outpouring of admiration and support for Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who single-handedly thwarted a mid-air attack on FlyDubai flight FZ 1073, saving the lives of 170 people onboard. The MEA, in a statement issued late Thursday evening, said it continues to closely monitor the pilot's health and recovery.

Captain Machchhar's Condition and Medical Care

According to the MEA statement, Captain Machchhar received initial medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, following the emergency landing on Wednesday. He has since been transferred to Abu Dhabi for continued medical attention and recovery. India's Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, visited the pilot at the hospital in Abu Dhabi and found him in encouraging condition.

'He was speaking openly, smiling and laughing, which was a great relief for us and, above all, for his family,' Ambassador Mittal said. The ambassador confirmed that Captain Machchhar is receiving good medical care, and the Indian Embassy remains in constant contact with UAE authorities regarding his welfare.

Ambassador Meets Family, Assures Full Government Support

Earlier on Thursday, Ambassador Mittal, accompanied by Consul General E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, visited the family of Captain Machchhar in Dubai. They briefed the family on his health status and recovery, and conveyed the Indian government's full support and assistance. In a post on X, the MEA confirmed the ambassador's meeting with the family and reiterated the government's commitment to the pilot's well-being.

Mittal called the pilot's actions exemplary: '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,' he said in an interview.

What Happened Aboard FlyDubai FZ 1073

During the incident on Wednesday, another pilot onboard reportedly stabbed Captain Machchhar in the cockpit, causing the aircraft to begin plummeting. The injured pilot fought the assailant and opened the cockpit door, after which passengers entered and overpowered the attacker. Once the attacker was subdued, the seriously wounded Captain Machchhar was stabilised, and the aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All 170 people onboard were saved.

India's Official Response and Global Reaction

The MEA's statement closed with a resounding tribute: '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.' The incident has drawn widespread praise internationally, with aviation professionals and government officials across multiple countries applauding his presence of mind under extreme duress. Notably, this is a rare instance of a mid-air cockpit attack being neutralised by the crew and passengers working together.

India's Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai remain in close touch with local authorities. Captain Machchhar's recovery will be closely watched, with the government having committed to extending all necessary support to him and his family.