Captain Smita Machhar’s Heroic Actions Honored as India Provides Ongoing Assistance

Captain Smita Machhar, the commander of Flydubai Flight FZ1073, displayed remarkable composure when an assailant brandished a knife in the cockpit, attempting to hijack the aircraft. Despite sustaining severe injuries, the captain fought back, opened the cockpit door and enabled passengers to help subdue the attacker.

Following the successful restraint of the assailant, the aircraft performed an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where Captain Machhar was stabilised on board before being transferred to a local hospital. Indian authorities have lauded her selfless conduct, noting that her quick thinking prevented a potential disaster.

The Indian government, through its embassy in Abu Dhabi and commercial office in Dubai, is providing continuous medical aid, counseling services for the family, and a dedicated liaison officer to coordinate with Saudi health officials. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal phone call to the family underscored the nation’s pride in Captain Machhar’s heroism and the commitment to stand by her during recovery.