Indian Captain Recovering After Foiling Co-Pilot's Attack

The father of Indian Captain Smith Macher, who was stabbed by his co-pilot during a flight from Dubai to Israel, has provided an update on his son's condition. Bhupendra Macher described his initial reaction as fear upon hearing about the incident, but he and his wife quickly turned to prayer. "We prayed, 'God, whatever happens, no bad news should come; please save him'," he told NDTV. The state of Gujarat in India announced it would award Macher its "Special Gujarat Pride Award" for his bravery in preventing a near-certain disaster. Gujarat's Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, praised Macher, stating his courage is being saluted worldwide and that he has brought pride to his home state and India. Macher, who is recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital, is credited with saving 174 passengers by repelling an axe attack from his co-pilot in the cockpit. He is a seasoned pilot with over 13 years of commercial flight experience and approximately 9,750 flight hours. His father attributed his son's heroism to divine intervention and inner strength, noting that Macher sustained significant injuries to his head and hands, requiring surgery and many stitches. "The doctors said it will take time for these wounds to heal. He suffered injuries to his head and both his hands," Bhupendra Macher stated, adding that his son will return to his professional duties after full recovery. He also advised the youth to follow Macher's example of respecting parents and living a grounded life, emphasizing that truth and integrity lead to success. The General of the Emirates commended Captain Macher's bravery and the exemplary conduct of the Flydubai Flight FZ1073 crew.