Indian embassy: flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar recovering after attack

The Indian Embassy in the UAE reported Tuesday that flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is making steady progress and regaining his health after being seriously injured in an attack by his co-pilot last week. Machchhar was attacked with a crash axe by an Omani co-pilot during flight FZ1073, prompting an emergency descent of over 17,000 feet. Despite his injuries, he activated the cockpit door release, allowing two reserve pilots to land the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The co-pilot was taken into custody, and the motive for the attack remains unclear. Machchhar was airlifted to Abu Dhabi for treatment, and the embassy remains in contact with his family and authorities as the investigation continues.