Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Temples across India pray for injured flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar
Captain Smit Machchhar was hurt during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
His co-pilot stabbed him while the plane was in the air.
Even though he was injured, Machchhar opened the cockpit door.
This allowed passengers and crew members to stop the attacker.
He was first taken to a hospital in Saudi Arabia.
He was later flown to Abu Dhabi for more treatment and was reportedly recovering.
People at temples across India held prayers for him.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised his bravery and wished him a speedy recovery.
Captain Smit Machchhar was injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar opened the cockpit door, helping passengers and crew overpower the attacker.
He was first treated in Saudi Arabia before being airlifted to Abu Dhabi, where he was reportedly recovering.
Temples in Somnath, Varanasi, Indore and Delhi held prayers and rituals for his recovery.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar’s courage and said his actions helped save hundreds of lives.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar, a flydubai pilot, was injured after his co-pilot stabbed him during a flight.
- What
- Machchhar opened the cockpit door despite his injuries, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker; temples later held prayers for his recovery.
- When
- The stabbing occurred during a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight; prayers began Thursday evening, and Machchhar was airlifted to Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
- Where
- The incident occurred aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight; Machchhar was treated in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, while prayers were held at temples across India.
- Why
- The prayers were held to support Machchhar’s recovery and honour his courage, dedication to duty and efforts to protect lives.
- Pilot
- Captain Smit Machchhar
- Airline
- flydubai
- Flight route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Medical treatment
- Initially in Saudi Arabia; later airlifted to Abu Dhabi
- Somnath ritual
- Continuous Mahamrityunjaya Mantra chanting began Thursday evening
- Kashi Vishwanath ritual
- Twenty-one priests performed Rudra Abhishek, while 11 priests chanted one lakh Maha Mrityunjaya mantras
- Previous employer
- Machchhar flew with SpiceJet for 11 years before joining flydubai in 2022