Injured Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar Shifted From Saudi Hospital to Abu Dhabi

UPDATE - follow-up to 'Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the co‑pilot who stabbed Indian pilot Smit Machchhar on flydubai flight FZ1073 had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination and was acting as a terrorist': Captain Smit Machchhar has been moved to Abu Dhabi from Tabuk for ongoing medical care following a violent cockpit assault on a flydubai flight.

Medical Transfer And Recovery

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed Thursday that the injured Indian aviator left Saudi Arabia to continue his recovery in the UAE. Officials stated that the Indian Ambassador to the UAE visited the captain in hospital to check on his health and met with his family to promise full support. Both the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai maintain direct contact with local authorities.

Incident Background

The attack happened Wednesday on flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv while the Boeing 737 was flying over Saudi Arabia. The co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar inside the cockpit, causing the aircraft to drop more than 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds with 174 people on board. Despite his serious wounds, the captain unlocked the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to step in and stop the attacker. A reserve crew member then took over the controls and landed the plane safely in Tabuk.

Context

International flight routes rely heavily on strict security protocols and multi-member cockpit crews to handle sudden in-flight emergencies safely. Diplomatic missions routinely step in to assist citizens abroad during medical emergencies or critical incidents.