Pilots Federation Seeks National Bravery Award for Captain Smit Machchhar Over Flydubai Flight Heroics

October 2, 2026

New Delhi: The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has urged the Prime Minister’s Office to consider Captain Smit Machchhar, pilot-in-command of flydubai Flight FZ1073, for a National Bravery Award following his conduct during an in-flight emergency on September 30.

Machchhar was injured after being attacked by his co-pilot during the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. Despite his injuries, he continued performing his duties, helped regain access to the cockpit and enabled the aircraft to be diverted safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, according to the FIP. The flight was carrying 174 passengers and eight crew members.

FIP Seeks National Recognition for Captain Machchhar

In a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Federation said Machchhar continued to discharge his responsibilities as pilot-in-command despite being injured and facing an extremely dangerous situation inside the cockpit.

The FIP said his ability to remain composed, exercise command and make critical decisions while injured and under threat demonstrated courage, resilience, situational awareness, leadership and devotion to duty.

The pilots’ body requested that the government consider Machchhar for national recognition after due verification of the facts by the competent authorities. It also asked authorities to examine the circumstances of the incident and obtain relevant operational and medical records.

182 People Were On Board Flydubai Flight

The Federation highlighted that 182 people — 174 passengers and eight crew members — were on board when the cockpit emergency unfolded.

The incident occurred on September 30 while Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk after the confrontation in the cockpit. Reports said Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door after being attacked, allowing other crew members and passengers to intervene. Two other pilots on board subsequently helped operate the aircraft during the emergency landing.

The aircraft had undergone a rapid descent during the incident before control was restored and it landed safely in Saudi Arabia. The circumstances and motive behind the cockpit attack remain under investigation.

PM Modi Praises Captain’s Courage

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Machchhar and praised his courage, presence of mind and composure during the emergency. Machchhar spoke to the Prime Minister from hospital after the incident.

The Federation said Machchhar had been a member of the organisation until 2022. Although he is no longer a member, it said it continues to regard him as part of the wider professional pilots’ fraternity.

The FIP said recognition for Machchhar would honour his actions and underline the importance of courage, professional responsibility, leadership and protection of human life.