India's Ambassador to the UAE has met the family in Dubai of Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who was injured in an altercation on board a flydubai plane on Wednesday, September 30.

"I have met with Captain Smit's wife, his brother and other members of the family in Dubai today," the diplomat said on Thursday in an interview with Indian news channel DD. "I have reassured them of government of India's full support to ensure the wellbeing and welfare of Captain Smit." The ambassador added that India was proud of its "brave son" for demonstrating great bravery and courage.

The incident took place on flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, when a dispute broke out on the flight deck, leaving both the pilot and co-pilot injured. Passengers reported sudden, severe drops in altitude; Flightradar24 data showed the aircraft descending from 34,000 ft to around 15,375 ft within minutes. Despite his injuries, the captain ensured the safety of the 173 passengers on board, and the flight made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah confirmed that Machchhar is receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk. Indian media reported that he underwent surgery and is in a stable condition.

He said Indian missions are in touch with UAE authorities, who have assured full support. flydubai has temporarily suspended its flights to and from Israel while UAE authorities carry out a full investigation into the incident.

(Source: Khaleej Times)