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Pilot Smit Machchhar's Wife Recounts Horrific Cockpit Attack Experience
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News18•02-10-2026, 13:54
Pilot Smit Machchhar's Wife Recounts Horrific Cockpit Attack Experience
- •Sonal Machchhar's world collapsed upon hearing her husband, Pilot Smit Machchhar, was attacked mid-air.
- •Sonal stated she was devastated and didn't know how to react, but family and friends provided support.
- •She received regular updates from Indian officials, confirming Smit's stable physical condition.
- •Sonal met Smit, who is recovering under the care of UAE doctors and military medics.
- •Her sole focus is Smit's speedy recovery and bringing him home, and he will speak with Netanyahu when ready.
Key Questions Answered
Captain Smit Machchhar was injured in a mid-air attack by a co-pilot inside the cockpit of a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, which forced the plane to divert and make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Sonal Machchhar was completely devastated and lacked the mental capacity to react when she first heard the news, but she gradually managed the situation with the reassurance of family, friends, and updates from Indian officials.
Sonal stated that it is not her place to speak with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, believing that Smit is the right person for that conversation and will do so when he is mentally ready.
