Dubai, 03 October (H.S.): Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Saturday visited Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who is recovering in hospital after being seriously injured during a cockpit attack on a Flydubai flight.

Smit Machchhar was the captain of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when his co-pilot allegedly attacked him inside the cockpit. Despite sustaining serious injuries, Smit Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and restrain the attacker.

The aircraft had lost significant altitude during the struggle but was eventually brought under control by backup pilots on board and landed safely in Saudi Arabia.

After meeting Smit Machchhar, Sheikh Hamdan praised his courage and expressed the UAE leadership’s appreciation for his actions. He said the pilot represented the values of compassion, peace and respect for human life.

Smit Machchhar was later transferred to Abu Dhabi for further treatment. The Indian Embassy in the UAE said he remains under medical care and is recovering well.

The incident is being investigated by UAE authorities, who are examining the circumstances of the attack and the co-pilot’s possible motive. Authorities are also looking into whether the incident had any connection with terrorist activity.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar