Smit Machchhar’s Wife and Parents: Where His Family Lives After Flydubai Captain’s Attack

Captain Smit Machchhar’s family has rallied around the Flydubai pilot after he was seriously injured while helping prevent a potential disaster aboard Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

Machchhar, who was attacked by his co-pilot during the flight on Wednesday, underwent emergency surgery after the aircraft landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. He has since been airlifted to the UAE for further treatment, while his family travelled from Mumbai to be with him.

The pilot’s bravery has drawn praise from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump and several other world leaders.

Who Is Smit Machchhar’s Wife?

Smit Machchhar‘s wife is Sonal, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi referring to her as Sonalben when speaking about his conversation with the family.

Modi said on Thursday that he had spoken with Machchhar’s wife and parents and enquired about the pilot’s condition. He praised Machchhar’s courage and said Indian missions were providing all possible assistance to the family.

Machchhar and Sonal live in Dubai with their two children, according to a childhood friend who spoke to the Indian media. The family frequently visits Mumbai, where Machchhar’s parents live.

There are limited publicly available details about Sonal, and she has largely remained outside the public spotlight.

Who Are Smit Machchhar’s Parents?

Machchhar’s parents are Bhupendrabhai and Gitaben. The couple lives in Mumbai, in the Ghatkopar area, while their son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren have been based in Dubai.

PM Modi specifically named Bhupendrabhai and Gitaben while speaking about his conversation with Machchhar’s family.

“Today, I had a conversation with his father Bhupendrabhai, his mother Gitaben, and his wife Sonalben,” Modi said, according to NDTV. He added that Machchhar was undergoing medical treatment and urged Indians to pray for his recovery.

Where Is Smit Machchhar Now?

Machchhar was initially treated at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the Flydubai aircraft made an emergency landing there. He underwent emergency surgery in Tabuk following the attack. He was subsequently airlifted to Dubai for further treatment, with his family also travelling from Mumbai to the UAE.

The Indian Embassy in the UAE said Ambassador Deepak Mittal and Consul General Vishnu Vardhan Reddy met Machchhar’s family after they arrived in Dubai. The officials briefed them about his health and recovery and assured them of continued assistance.

Earlier, Indian authorities in Saudi Arabia had said Machchhar was receiving medical attention and that officials were in contact with his family.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Meets Smit Machchhar’s Uncle

As Machchhar’s immediate family travelled to be with him, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met his uncle and aunt in Mumbai on Thursday. Fadnavis enquired about the pilot and expressed his support for the family following the Flydubai incident. The meeting took place as residents and political leaders in Mumbai continued to rally behind Machchhar.

The Maharashtra CM had earlier called Machchhar a “true HERO” and described him as “Mumbai’s son” after learning how he responded despite being seriously injured.

Machchhar’s uncle has also been spoken to by local politicians. BJP MLA Parag Shah said he met members of the family and that Flydubai officials were providing them with regular updates about the pilot’s condition.

Smit Machchhar’s Family Waits for His Recovery

While Machchhar receives further treatment in the UAE, his wife, parents and wider family have remained closely involved in his recovery. His parents’ Mumbai neighbourhood has also rallied around the pilot, with friends and residents describing him as calm and composed and gathering to pray for his recovery.