Stories
Pilot Hailed for Heroism: CAPT Smit Machchhar Saves 174 Lives From Hijack
- •Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian Flydubai pilot, is being considered for a national bravery award after saving 174 lives during a cockpit attack on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.
- •The Federation of Indian Pilots has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grant Machchhar a national bravery award for his courage and professional conduct while injured.
- •Despite serious injuries from an attack by the first officer, Machchhar continued his duties as pilot-in-command, safely diverting the aircraft to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- •Prime Minister Modi praised Machchhar's presence of mind and courage during a hospital conversation, where the pilot recounted how his training helped him respond.
- •Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has already announced the Vishishtha Gujarat Garima Award for Machchhar, with calls for further national recognition like the Ashoka Chakra.
Key Questions Answered
Captain Smit Machchhar is being considered for national recognition because he demonstrated exceptional courage and professional conduct by safely diverting his flight to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after being seriously injured in a cockpit attack by the first officer during a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight carrying 182 total occupants.
The Federation of Indian Pilots has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting a national bravery award for Captain Machchhar. Additionally, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the Vishishtha Gujarat Garima Award, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora has called for him to receive the Ashoka Chakra.
The Flydubai flight was carrying a total of 182 people, consisting of 174 passengers and eight crew members, when the cockpit attack took place.
