Indian Captain Stabbed in Cockpit Transferred to UAE for Treatment

Captain Smith Macher, the pilot of a Flydubai flight who was stabbed in the cockpit by his Omani co-pilot, has been transferred to Abu Dhabi for further treatment. The Indian ambassador to the UAE visited Macher in the hospital on Thursday, reporting that the captain was speaking freely and laughing, and that his condition was stable and improving. Macher's parents have flown to Dubai to be with him, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with his wife and parents. Macher was initially hospitalized and underwent surgery in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the plane made an emergency landing there. Despite his injuries, Macher managed to open the cockpit door, allowing the crew and passengers to subdue the attacker. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised Macher for his bravery, with Modi calling him a "hero" and Herzog stating his actions saved many lives. In India, Macher has become a national hero, with the government of his home state, Gujarat, announcing a bravery award. His former employer, SpiceJet, also lauded him, and residents gathered outside his Mumbai home to honor him. Macher, 39, is married with two children and lives in Dubai. He previously flew for SpiceJet for 11 years before joining Flydubai in 2022. In a past interview, Macher emphasized the importance of safety over flight delays, stating, "What I want is for you to get off the plane on your feet."