Injured Flydubai Pilot Transferred to Abu Dhabi for Further Treatment

India's Ministry of External Affairs announced that Captain Smith Machchar, the Indian pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073, has been transferred from a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, to Abu Dhabi for continued medical care and recovery. Machchar was stabbed during an incident on the flight from Dubai to Israel. After receiving initial treatment in Saudi Arabia, where the plane landed following the attack, the decision was made to move him to Abu Dhabi. The Indian Ambassador to the UAE visited Machchar in the hospital, reporting that the pilot's condition is good. The ambassador had previously met with Machchar's family, assuring them of full support for his health and well-being. India's embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate in Dubai are coordinating with local authorities and monitoring his condition. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs commended Captain Machchar's bravery and courage, also expressing gratitude for the global support he received. The stabbing occurred when the co-pilot attacked Machchar. Passengers and crew subdued the assailant, while Machchar received initial medical aid before the plane's emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Shota Musayev, a dentist among the passengers who assisted in subduing the attacker, provided first aid to Machchar, stemming severe bleeding until landing. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu stated after the incident that the assailant likely intended to crash the plane.