Smit Machchhar recovery has shown encouraging progress, with his family saying the flydubai pilot walked 10 steps after being moved from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. India’s MEA says he is recuperating well and remains under close medical care following the cockpit attack.

Smit Machchhar recovery improves as pilot begins walking

Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian flydubai pilot seriously injured during an alleged mid-air cockpit attack, is showing encouraging signs of recovery and has started walking, according to his family.

A family member said Machchhar walked 10 steps on Wednesday after being moved from a hospital in Abu Dhabi to another medical facility in Dubai. The development marks an important stage in his recovery after he suffered severe injuries, including a reported skull fracture, during the September 30 attack aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073. 

Walks 10 steps

Machchhar underwent emergency treatment after the aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Doctors later transferred him to the UAE for further care.

His family said his ability to get back on his feet and walk a short distance was an encouraging sign, although he continues to require medical supervision. Reports indicate that doctors had earlier performed surgery after injuries to his head and other parts of his body. 

Dubai hospital

There has been some confusion over his exact treatment location because official comments earlier referred to a hospital in Abu Dhabi, while his family later said he had been shifted to Dubai.

The latest family update indicates that Machchhar is now receiving treatment in Dubai. Officials have continued to coordinate with his family and medical team as his condition improves.

MEA update

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that Machchhar is responding well to treatment. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy in the UAE has remained in regular contact with the pilot, his family, hospital staff and local authorities.

Jaiswal said Machchhar was “recuperating well” and that his health continued to improve. The Indian Embassy had earlier said he was making steady progress and regaining his health while receiving all possible assistance. Randhir Jaiswal is the ministry’s official spokesperson. 

Flydubai attack

Machchhar was commanding Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv when his co-pilot allegedly attacked him inside the cockpit. Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing others on board to intervene.

The aircraft reportedly descended sharply during the struggle before two reserve pilots took control and safely landed it in Tabuk. The flight was carrying more than 170 passengers and crew.

Recovery after dramatic ordeal

Machchhar’s recovery has attracted widespread attention because of the severity of his injuries and the circumstances surrounding the incident. His actions aboard the aircraft have been praised by political leaders and passengers, while investigators continue examining the alleged attack.

For now, the most significant development is medical: after emergency surgery, intensive treatment and transfer within the UAE, Machchhar is conscious, improving and beginning to walk again. His family and Indian officials continue to describe his recovery as steady and positive.