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Ashoka Chakra Calls Intensify for Smit Machchhar After Flydubai Cockpit Crisis
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News18•01-10-2026, 18:28
Ashoka Chakra Calls Intensify for Smit Machchhar After Flydubai Cockpit Crisis
- •Calls are growing for Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar to receive the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
- •Machchhar was the captain of Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a violent confrontation occurred in the cockpit.
- •Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene.
- •The attacker was restrained, and the aircraft was safely diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- •All 174 passengers aboard the Flydubai flight landed safely due to Captain Machchhar's actions.
Key Questions Answered
Calls are growing for Captain Smit Machchhar to receive India's highest peacetime gallantry award after he managed a violent cockpit crisis on a Flydubai flight.
A violent confrontation broke out in the cockpit while Captain Machchhar was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv, leaving him seriously injured before he managed to open the door for passenger and crew intervention.
The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely with all 174 passengers on board.
