Stories
Mumbai Pilot Smit Machchhar Hailed as Hero After Fighting Off Attacker on Flydubai Flight
- •Captain Smit Machchhar, a Flydubai pilot, is being hailed as a hero by his Mumbai neighbors and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his bravery during an alleged attack on Flight FZ1073.
- •The flight, from Dubai to Tel Aviv, diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after reportedly plunging 14,000 feet when the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar and attempted to crash the plane.
- •Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Machchhar fought back, opened the cockpit door, and allowed passengers and crew to overpower the attacker.
- •Machchhar, 39, a Mumbai native who trained in New Zealand, previously flew for SpiceJet for 11 years before joining Flydubai in 2022.
- •His neighbors in Chembur describe him as calm, focused, and aviation-obsessed, and are planning a large celebration for his return, while his extended family in Ghatkopar is receiving support from local politicians.
Key Questions Answered
Flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv, diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia after plunging around 14,000 feet following an alleged attack by the co-pilot. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Captain Machchhar fought back and opened the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker.
Captain Smit Machchhar is a 39-year-old pilot from Mumbai who trained in New Zealand after attending an aviation seminar at age 19. He spent 11 years flying for SpiceJet starting in 2011, eventually becoming a Line Training Captain, before moving to Dubai in June 2022 to join flydubai.
Residents in Mumbai's Chembur and Ghatkopar East areas describe Machchhar as calm and dedicated, holding prayers for his speedy recovery and planning a major celebration for his return. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed him as a hero on X, and local BJP MLA Parag Shah visited his family to confirm the government is assisting them.
