Smit Machchhar’s recovery in a Dubai hospital has become the focus of concern in Mumbai, where crowds, media crews and well-wishers have gathered outside the homes of the Indian pilot’s family after he helped prevent a serious cockpit attack aboard a flydubai flight.
Machchhar, who was captain of flydubai Flight FZ1073 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers and crew, was injured when his co-pilot allegedly attacked and repeatedly stabbed him inside the cockpit, according to the report. Despite his injuries, Machchhar unlocked the cockpit door, allowing passengers to overpower the co-pilot before the aircraft landed safely.
His uncle, Haresh V Machchhar, said the family was proud of the pilot but exhausted by the continuous media attention outside his home in Ghatkopar and Machchhar’s parents’ home in Chembur. He said television crews had gathered without asking whether the family was ready to speak, filmed and photographed them, and remained outside through the night.
The family’s immediate priority is Machchhar’s health. His parents, Upendra and Geeta Machchhar, travelled to Dubai after receiving news of the incident. Relatives said they had been informed that his condition was stable and that they remained in contact with the family.
Machchhar now lives in Dubai with his wife and two children, an eight-year-old daughter and a two-year-old son. He spent several years in Ghatkopar, while his parents now live in Chembur. Relatives and neighbours described him as friendly, courageous and consistently willing to help others. His friend and next-door neighbour, Akshay Doshi, said aviation had long been Machchhar’s passion and that he also ran a small institute in Chembur to encourage young people to pursue aviation careers.
The incident has also prompted a strong community response in Chembur and Ghatkopar. Chembur corporator Susham Sawant brought together around 100 people, including children, to hold posters praising Machchhar’s courage, foresight and devotion to duty. Sawant said he should be honoured for his actions and was planning a welcome for him after his recovery.
Machchhar’s actions have received praise from political leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described his courage and quick thinking as having prevented another incident resembling the September 11 attacks, while Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu called him a true hero, according to the report.
His former teachers at Welingkar Institute in Matunga also recalled him as a diligent student. The institute’s director, Pankaj Natu, said Machchhar attended lectures regularly and earned strong grades, while teacher Shailesh Kale said the institute was considering honouring him. Friends and neighbours in Mumbai have meanwhile tried to help the family manage the attention and protect their privacy while he continues treatment in Dubai.
