An Indian pilot who was injured while stopping an attempted hijacking on a Flydubai flight has been reported to be in stable condition, according to the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia.
The pilot, Sumit Machar, was admitted to a hospital in Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia after the aircraft was diverted there. The embassy said he is receiving the required medical care.
The incident occurred on a flight travelling from Dubai to Israel with 180 passengers on board. Reports said a co-pilot attempted to hijack the aircraft, and Machar intervened to prevent it.
Passengers said the pilot continued to fight back despite suffering stab wounds, and his actions helped keep everyone safe. He remains under treatment in Tabuk.
In its statement, the embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah said they are closely monitoring his health, staying in touch with his family, and coordinating with Saudi authorities to provide all possible assistance.
