New Delhi: Mankind Pharma has honoured Indian Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar with ₹1 crore in financial support for his extraordinary courage and leadership during the mid-air cockpit attack on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.
Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly attacked him inside the cockpit of Flydubai flight FZ1073 on September 30. Despite his injuries, he continued to act as pilot-in-command and helped prevent a potentially catastrophic situation involving the aircraft’s 174 passengers and eight crew members.
Mankind Pharma praises Machchhar’s courage
Mankind Pharma Vice Chairman and Managing Director Rajeev Juneja announced the contribution to Machchhar and his family, describing his conduct during the crisis as an example of extraordinary courage, composure and responsibility.
In a letter to Machchhar, Juneja said the gesture was intended as a mark of gratitude and respect for the pilot’s actions.
The company said the contribution was not meant to place a monetary value on the lives protected by Machchhar, but to express appreciation for his courage and humanity.
Pilot helped avert potential disaster
According to the Federation of Indian Pilots, Machchhar was attacked while the Flydubai aircraft was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite suffering serious injuries, he managed to activate the cockpit door release, allowing passengers and reserve pilots to enter and overpower the attacker.
The aircraft experienced a rapid descent before being stabilised and diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Machchhar recalls fight to save passengers
Speaking to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a video call from an Abu Dhabi hospital, Machchhar described how he realised that he had to get back up despite his injuries because the passengers’ lives were at risk.
He said he had been flying for 17 years and had served as a captain for 11 years, and relied on his experience and training during the emergency.
Machchhar also said he recited the Hanuman Chalisa during the ordeal and credited his faith for giving him courage.
Pilots seek national honour for Machchhar
The Federation of Indian Pilots has separately written to the Prime Minister’s Office seeking an appropriate national bravery award or civilian recognition for Machchhar.
The pilots’ body said his decision to continue performing his duties despite being seriously injured demonstrated exceptional courage, leadership and responsibility towards the passengers and crew.
Machchhar is currently recovering from his injuries at a hospital in the UAE.