Indian Pilot Smita Macchar Recovering Well After Attack, Says Ambassador

Abu Dhabi, October 1 (Daily Kiran) : Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, visited Captain Smita Macchar in a Dubai hospital on October 1. He reported that the pilot, who was injured while thwarting an attack mid-air, is now speaking freely and in good spirits. Mittal expressed relief at Captain Macchar's condition, stating, “He was talking openly, smiling, and laughing.This was a great relief for us and especially for his family.” The ambassador confirmed that the pilot is receiving excellent medical care, with the Indian embassy maintaining constant communication with UAE officials. Previously, Captain Macchar was airlifted from Saudi Arabia to the Dubai hospital. In an interview, Mittal praised the bravery of the Indian pilot, who saved many lives on board the aircraft. “Captain Smita demonstrated extraordinary courage and saved precious lives, preventing a major tragedy.We are immensely proud of this brave son of India, and we will provide him with full support,” he said. Earlier that day, Mittal met with Captain Macchar's family, assuring them of the Indian government's assistance and support. The Ministry of External Affairs posted on social media that the ambassador had met with the family to discuss their health and welfare, reinforcing the government’s commitment to support them. According to the Indian Consulate in Dubai, Mittal and Consul General E.Vishnu Vardhan Reddy met with family members, updating them on Captain Macchar's recovery and commending his extraordinary bravery, quick thinking, and selfless efforts in saving lives. The incident occurred on Wednesday when another pilot attacked Captain Macchar with a knife, causing the plane to descend rapidly. The Indian pilot bravely confronted the assailant and opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers to subdue the attacker. After the assailant was restrained, the critically injured pilot received necessary care to stabilize him until the plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.Sources indicate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to Captain Macchar's family, commending their bravery. He spoke with the pilot's wife and parents, highlighting that he saved hundreds of lives and assuring them that the Indian mission is providing all possible assistance.