The family of Captain Smit Machchhar is reflecting on a harrowing ordeal following a terrifying mid-air incident on a flydubai flight, which authorities have classified as a "terror act." Captain Machchhar sustained severe injuries after his co-pilot reportedly attacked him with a crash axe inside the cockpit. Despite the chaos, the captain managed to secure the aircraft, allowing it to land safely in Saudi Arabia. His wife, Sonal, described the initial hours as a blur of agony and uncertainty, noting that she and her family were unable to sleep until they received official confirmation that he was in stable condition after undergoing emergency surgery.

The family considers his survival nothing short of a miracle, praising his quick thinking during a life-altering three-minute window of struggle. His father-in-law, Jaysukh Jogi, detailed the extent of his injuries—including a fractured hand and multiple lacerations—but expressed deep gratitude that the captain is now recovering. Meanwhile, the pilot's brother-in-law, Ankit Jogi, noted that the family is incredibly proud of how Smit adhered to safety protocols under extreme duress. Following a hospital visit from the Dubai Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the family is now eagerly awaiting the captain's eventual return to India, where he is expected to receive a hero’s welcome.