Pride and prayers in Mumbai’s Tilak Nagar as neighbours await Smit Machchhar’s recovery

Pride over Captain Smit Machchhar’s bravery aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 was tempered by an anxious wait for news of his recovery in Mumbai’s Chembur West on Thursday, as childhood friends, neighbours and local residents recalled the pilot they knew and prayed for his return home.

Mr. Machchhar was seriously injured during an attack inside the cockpit of the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight on Wednesday. Despite his injuries, he managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing others on board to intervene. The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers, subsequently landed safely at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. Mr. Machchhar underwent surgery before being shifted to Dubai for further treatment.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met the uncle and aunt of Captain Smit Machchar and termed it as a “moment of pride for Maharashtra and India”.

“Met Capt. Smit Machchhar’s uncle and aunt today and expressed my heartfelt appreciation for his extraordinary courage. In a moment of grave danger, Smit displayed remarkable courage, presence of mind and a deep sense of responsibility, helping save the lives of everyone on board. His bravery in the face of such a difficult situation is truly commendable. Smit has made Maharashtra and India proud,” Mr. Fadnavis posted on his social media account on X.

A neighbour of Mr. Machchhar, Yuhan Merchant said: “It’s a proud moment for all of us as Mumbaikars, as people living in the same society, and as fellow Indians. At the same time, we are very concerned about his well-being. We just hope that he is fine.”

Mr. Merchant, who has known Mr. Machchhar and his family, described him as “tremendously dedicated” to aviation.

“We have seen him tremendously dedicated towards the kind of profession that he is in. Very, very dedicated,” Mr. Merchant said. “We just hope that he continues doing what he does best, and that’s falling in love with the aviation sector.”

The hours following news of the incident were tense for both Mr. Machchhar’s family and residents of the society in Tilak Nagar area, the neighbour said.