The Indian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates has reported that the wounded captain of flydubai flight, Captain Smit Machchhar, is in good health and recovering well. This update came after Indian Ambassador Deepak Mittal met with Captain Machchhar and his family at the hospital. The captain, an Indian national, was hospitalized in Saudi Arabia after being attacked mid-air by his co-pilot, resulting in an emergency landing in the Saudi city of Tabuk.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, and according to reports, Captain Machchhar was airlifted to the UAE on Thursday. The attack by the co-pilot left the captain with severe injuries, including a stab wound to the head and a severely injured arm. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the injuries, stating that the captain's arm was "basically split in two and there was a lot of blood".
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Captain Machchhar's actions, saying that he helped save hundreds of lives and avert "a great tragedy". Modi referred to the captain as a "HERO" on social media. The incident has prompted investigations, with the UAE attorney general ordering an investigation into the flydubai incident.
The co-pilot involved in the incident has been transferred to the UAE, according to the Saudi interior ministry. This development is part of the ongoing investigation into the incident. The UAE has urged reliance on official information and avoidance of speculation until the probe ends, as stated by the country's foreign minister.
Flydubai has suspended flights to and from Israel pending the investigation. Additionally, Saudi Arabia turned down an Israeli request to allow its planes to pick up flydubai passengers, as reported by Reuters. The incident has garnered international attention, with various countries and organizations responding to the situation.
The incident highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and security of air travel. The Indian Embassy's update on Captain Machchhar's health provides some relief to those concerned about the incident. Further developments are expected as the investigation into the incident continues.
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel are all involved in the incident, and their respective authorities are working together to investigate the incident. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of international air travel and the need for continued cooperation among countries to ensure safety and security.
Key points
- The Indian Embassy reports that Captain Smit Machchhar is in good health and recovering well.
- The incident has prompted investigations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
- Flydubai has suspended flights to and from Israel pending the investigation.
