A fellow pilot and longtime friend of the flydubai co-pilot who was stabbed during an attempted hijacking last week has expressed relief over his recovery, describing the incident as deeply distressing. Capt. Dhaval Patel, who trained alongside Smit Machchhar in New Zealand for nearly 20 years, said watching footage of the mid-air attack was “just shattering.”

Patel praised Machchhar’s dedication and expertise, recalling how he consistently helped and educated colleagues within the aviation community. “I vividly remember him helping colleagues and peers, educating them on the concepts of aviation with so much clarity and knowledge,” Patel said in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Friday.

Machchhar remains hospitalized but is reported to be recovering. He spoke remotely with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his hospital bed, recounting his struggle during the attack aboard the aircraft. In the video call, Machchhar described “fighting for my life” as the violent incident unfolded.

The attack occurred last week on a flydubai flight, when Machchhar’s co-pilot allegedly attempted to hijack the plane and stabbed him. Authorities have labeled the assailant a “terrorist.” The event has drawn widespread attention due to the rare and dangerous nature of the mid-flight assault.

Details on the condition of Machchhar’s assailant and any ongoing investigations have not been disclosed. Meanwhile, colleagues and the aviation community continue to offer support to Machchhar as he recovers from the attack.