A Dubai‑Tel Aviv flight was attacked on Wednesday when Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured inside the cockpit. Despite his wounds, the pilot unlocked the cockpit door, allowing crew to intervene and the aircraft, carrying 174 passengers, landed safely at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. Machchhar was taken to a hospital for surgery, then transferred to Dubai for further treatment.
The incident drew praise from leaders across India. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met the pilot’s relatives and described the event as a moment of pride for the state and the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lauded Machchhar’s courage and prayed for his speedy recovery.
Neighbors in Mumbai’s Tilak Nagar and childhood friends expressed a mix of pride and anxiety. Resident Yuhan Merchant called Machchhar “tremendously dedicated” to aviation, and Chintan, a long‑time friend, described him as a brave, large‑hearted person. Residents recalled the tense hours following the news, describing the event as “very emotional” and “scary,” but also a source of communal pride.
The pilot’s family remains in Mumbai’s Chembur West, awaiting updates on his condition. Residents continue to pray for his recovery and plan a celebration upon his return. Authorities report that Machchhar is stable after surgery, though he is still under observation, with support from flydubai, Indian, Saudi, and UAE officials.
