India
oi-Ashish Rana
The attack inside the cockpit of Flydubai flight FZ1073 not only shocked the passengers and crew but also left Captain Smit Machchhar’s family deeply shaken. Smit was seriously injured during the incident, leaving his wife Sonal Machchhar worried about his condition.
Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured during a co-pilot’s attack on Flydubai flight FZ1073 on September 30, resulting in a safe emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; his wife Sonal Machchhar met him in an Abu Dhabi hospital on October 1.
According to a CNN-News18 report, Sonal recalled the moment she first learnt about the attack on her husband. She said she was completely broken and could not understand how to react at that moment. Support from friends and family helped her stay strong during the difficult period.
After receiving updates that Smit’s condition was stable, her concerns eased slightly. Sonal met her husband at a hospital in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, 1 October, and said she was reassured that he was receiving good medical care.
Sonal Machchhar Recalls The Moment She Heard About The Attack
Sonal said she went into shock after learning that her husband had been attacked during the flight.
“I was very badly broken. At that time, I did not even have the mental capacity to understand how I should react,” she said.
She added that friends and family members were around her during the difficult period, which gave her some comfort. As officials continued to provide updates about Smit’s condition, the family learnt that he was stable.
For Sonal and the rest of the family, every update about his health was important as they dealt with the uncertainty surrounding his condition.
Sonal Meets Smit In Abu Dhabi Hospital
Sonal met Smit at the Abu Dhabi hospital on 1 October. The meeting brought her some relief, as she was able to see his condition for herself.
She said Smit was being treated by doctors from the UAE as well as military doctors.
“I met him on Thursday. It gave me confidence that he is in the right hands and is being taken very good care of,” Sonal said.
She added that her immediate priority is to support Smit’s recovery and help him return home as soon as possible.
What Did Sonal Say About Netanyahu Speaking To Smit?
Sonal was also asked about reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wanted to speak to Smit.
She said Smit himself should have the conversation once his health and mental state improve. Sonal said she would not be able to speak to Netanyahu herself and that Smit would be the right person to have that conversation when he is ready.
What Did Smit Tell PM Modi About The Attack?
Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Smit over the phone while he was recovering in hospital.
During the conversation, Smit told Modi that he had fallen to the floor after the attack. His 17 years of experience as a pilot helped him realise that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude.
Smit said that while he was trying to save his own life, he was also thinking about the passengers and did not want them to die.
Modi praised Smit’s courage, composure and presence of mind during the emergency.
What Happened On Flydubai Flight FZ1073?
On 30 September, Flydubai flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when an attack took place inside the cockpit.
According to reports, the co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with an axe. The aircraft rapidly descended and lost thousands of feet in altitude.
Despite being seriously injured, Smit helped with efforts to open the cockpit door. Passengers and crew members then entered the cockpit and restrained the attacker.
Two other pilots on board took control of the aircraft, which later made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Reports said around 180 people were on board and everyone was safely evacuated.
Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack and other details of the incident.
Who Is Sonal Machchhar?
Sonal Machchhar, also known as Sonal Jogi, is the wife of Captain Smit Machchhar. Media reports have described her as a Mumbai resident.
Following the Flydubai incident, Sonal has been closely following her husband’s treatment and recovery. In media interactions, she spoke about the shock she experienced after learning about the attack and expressed confidence in the doctors treating Smit.
She also said that prayers and messages from people across the country had given her strength. Her focus at present is on Smit’s recovery and his return home.
When Did Sonal And Smit Get Married?
Sonal Jogi met Smit Machchhar in 2013. The couple got engaged on 1 May 2013, and later got married. They reportedly spent their honeymoon in Thailand.
The couple continued to support each other through the years. On 16 December 2016, Sonal shared a photograph from Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.
Their family later grew with the arrival of a child, adding another chapter to their life together.
