New Delhi, Oct 2026 : India’s Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah are closely monitoring the health condition of Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073, who was injured during an in-flight emergency that resulted in the aircraft being diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
In a statement posted on X, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said both Indian missions in Saudi Arabia were closely following developments concerning the pilot’s medical condition.
Captain Machchhar is currently admitted to a hospital in Tabuk city in northwest Saudi Arabia, where he is receiving medical treatment. The embassy said it was awaiting a detailed medical update, while initial information indicated that his condition was stable.
“We hope that he recovers from his injuries at the earliest,” the embassy said.
The Indian mission also confirmed that it was in contact with Captain Machchhar’s family and assured them of continued assistance. Officials said they would coordinate with Saudi authorities and continue following up on his condition to ensure that all possible support was extended for his well-being.
The update from the Indian Embassy came amid growing international attention surrounding the pilot’s reported actions during the emergency aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073.
Senior Israeli leaders have publicly praised Captain Machchhar, crediting his actions with helping prevent what they described as a potentially catastrophic incident.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the Indian pilot as a “true hero” and praised what he called his “extraordinary bravery”.
In a statement issued through the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office on X, Netanyahu said Machchhar was stabbed and seriously injured during the incident but continued to act to protect passengers and crew.
According to Netanyahu’s account, the pilot resisted the alleged attacker, opened the cockpit door and enabled passengers and crew members to overpower the assailant. The Israeli Prime Minister said these actions helped prevent a major mid-air disaster.
“He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals,” Netanyahu said, while wishing Machchhar a speedy and full recovery.
Israeli diplomat Reuven Azar also paid tribute to the Indian pilot and expressed concern over his condition. Describing Machchhar as an experienced and gifted aviator, Azar said he was praying for his recovery.
Referring to flight FZ1073, Azar said the courage displayed by Machchhar, along with that of Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members, helped protect those aboard the aircraft.
“His courage and the courage of other Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members saved the lives of 180 souls,” Azar said.
The diplomat also called for a united stand against terrorism.
The statements from Indian and Israeli authorities have brought international attention to Captain Machchhar’s reported role during the emergency. While the Indian missions have focused on his medical condition, family support and coordination with Saudi authorities, Israeli officials have highlighted his actions during the reported confrontation aboard the aircraft.
As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident continues, Captain Machchhar remains under medical care in Tabuk. Indian officials said they would continue monitoring his condition and remain in contact with his family and Saudi authorities.
The Indian missions’ intervention comes as authorities work to establish the complete sequence of events that led to the flight’s diversion and the injuries sustained during the incident.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
