Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Machchhar on Friday after the pilot was brought to a hospital in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Saudi Arabia. Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who is credited with helping avert a potential disaster involving a Flydubai flight carrying 174 passengers, has spoken about how his faith in Lord Hanuman gave him the courage to face the crisis.
Meanwhile, Israeli media have reported that pamphlets supporting Palestine and expressing hostility towards Israel were allegedly found in the accused pilot’s possession. He also credited the Indian captain’s courage and presence of mind with helping avert a major tragedy, describing him as a true hero. The statement focused on their injuries and subsequent transfer but did not provide details about the accused pilot’s alleged motives or the circumstances surrounding the attack. Oman has yet to issue a statement on the matter. The reports also made claims about his citizenship, although these details have not been independently established in the information available. The programme also examined a debate aired on Pakistani television in which participants reportedly expressed sympathy for the accused pilot. One commentator suggested that the incident reflected anger harboured by the pilot, while a former Pakistani diplomat discussed the possibility of similar attacks spreading across Gulf countries.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior stated that the two pilots were sent to Abu Dhabi on Thursday, 1 October 2026, after their conditions improved and doctors cleared them to travel.
Anwar Gargash, a senior adviser to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, praised Machchhar’s courage and professionalism, describing the incident involving the Flydubai aircraft as a “dangerous terrorist act” and a potential disaster. Gargash said the incident had posed a serious threat to the aircraft and its passengers. Saudi Arabia said the captain and co-pilot had been admitted to hospital for medical examinations and necessary treatment following the incident. Preliminary investigations indicated that both pilots had been attacked and had sustained separate injuries, according to the Saudi authorities.
