Pilot Smit Machchhar airlifted to Dubai after emergency surgery in Saudi Arabia

H.E. Dr. Deepak Mittal, Ambassador of India to the UAE and H.E. Dr. E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, Consul General @cgidubai met with the family members of Captain Smit Machchhar.

They briefed the family about Captain Machchhar’s health & recovery, conveyed that the Embassy & Consulate…

— India in Dubai (@cgidubai) October 1, 2026

‘Prevented 9/11-style tragedy’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu praised Machchhar for saving passengers’ lives. Meanwhile, PM Modi also spoke to his wife and parents, praising the captain’s bravery for averting a major tragedy and assuring the family that the government and Indian missions would provide all necessary support.

Modi said that the Indian pilot prevented a “9/11-style tragedy”, and the whole nation was proud of him: “Yesterday, an incident took place in which Indian Captain Smit displayed a remarkable presence of mind and courage, as the Prime Minister of Israel said that an Indian saved us from another 9/11. Smit’s bravery fills every Indian with pride.”

“Today, I also spoke to his father, Bhupendra Bhai, his mother, Geeta Behen, and his wife, Sonal Behen. He is currently undergoing treatment. The entire world is proud of him today. I appeal to all citizens to pray for Smit’s long life and good health, and to honour Smit, who has made India proud,” he said as he attended the UPSC centenary celebration at Bharat Mandapam.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that even though Machchhar was gravely injured, he was safe. “We salute the bravery of Captain Smit Machchhar, who, in spite of being gravely injured, showed remarkable courage that saved the lives of many. He is receiving medical attention and is safe. We wish and pray for his speedy recovery. The nation proudly stands with him and his family,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. 

Although there has not been a health bulletin on his condition, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said it is following up on his condition and staying in touch with his family.

“He is admitted in a hospital in Tabuk city in northwest Saudi Arabia and receiving necessary medical attention. A full update on his health is awaited but he is reported to be in stable condition.. We are in touch with his family and assure them that we will continue to follow up on his health with Saudi authorities and extend all possible assistance for his well being,” the embassy said in a post on X on Thursday.

President Droupadi Murmu noted his “heroic courage and incredible presence of mind” in a post on X. PM Modi called him a hero and acknowledged his “immense courage”. “In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others,” the PM said in the X post 

“His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. India is proud of Captain Machchhar. Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health,” he added.

Israeli Ambassador in New Delhi, Reuven Azar, said, “Together with Israel, India and UAE, I pray for the life of Captain Smit Machchhar, the experienced and gifted hero Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073. His courage & the courage of other Israeli & Emirati passengers & crew members saved the lives of 180 souls.”

What happened aboard flydubai plane

Captain Machchhar reportedly intervened after his co-pilot, an Omani national, allegedly attempted to bring down the aircraft, which was carrying several Israeli passengers.

After the plane landed safely, authorities took Captain Machchhar to a hospital in Saudi Arabia, while the co-pilot was taken into custody.

Details surrounding the confrontation and the events leading up to it remain unclear. According to reports in Israeli media, Captain Machchhar physically restrained the co-pilot after allegedly realising that the aircraft was at risk of being deliberately crashed. Crew members and some passengers reportedly helped restrain him.

A flydubai spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft was brought under control and diverted to Tabuk Airport (TUU).

“The aircraft was successfully secured by on-duty flydubai crew travelling on the flight, who diverted and landed the aircraft safely at Tabuk Airport (TUU). All passengers and crew are safe and accounted for,” the spokesperson said.

“At this early stage, the underlying reasons and motives behind this event are unknown and remain subject to a formal investigation,” the spokesperson added.

The Boeing 737, carrying 174 passengers, reportedly triggered emergency alerts before making its landing at Tabuk Airport.