UAE Leaders and Indian Embassy Offer Support to Recovering Pilot

Abu Dhabi – After a violent knife attack in the cockpit of a Flydubai aircraft, captain Smrit Machhar received a wave of support from both UAE officials and the Indian diplomatic mission. The captain, who managed to restrain the attacker and secure an emergency landing, was praised by Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed for his “unparalleled bravery and sense of responsibility.”

The Indian ambassador posted on his official X account that prayers for the pilot’s swift recovery are ongoing and that the embassy is coordinating with local authorities to provide any assistance required by the pilot’s family.

Meanwhile, the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi organized a special prayer ceremony on October 4, bringing together devotees to invoke protection and speedy healing for the injured pilot. The temple, which opened in February 2024, has already welcomed more than 2.2 million visitors in its inaugural year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Captain Machhar via video call, lauding his calm and decisive actions that saved the lives of more than 170 passengers and crew members. Modi’s remarks emphasized the nation’s pride in citizens who risk their own lives to protect others.