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US House Honours Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar For Foiling Terror Attack
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News18•06-10-2026, 20:37
US House Honours Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar For Foiling Terror Attack
- •The US House of Representatives passed a resolution honouring Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for thwarting an attempted terrorist attack on Flydubai Flight 1073.
- •The first officer attacked Captain Machchhar on the flight deck with an emergency crash axe mid-flight, causing the aircraft to lose over 14,000 feet in 30 seconds.
- •Despite grave injuries, Machchhar fought off the attacker and unlocked the cockpit door so off-duty pilots and crew could intervene and restrain the first officer.
- •The flight carrying 174 passengers landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia with all passengers and crew accounted for.
- •The UAE Attorney General confirmed the incident was an attempted terrorist act, and the US House has called for a full investigation by Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Key Questions Answered
The US House of Representatives passed a resolution honouring Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary courage in thwarting an attempted terrorist attack on Flydubai Flight 1073 on September 30, 2026.
Midway through the flight to Tel Aviv, the first officer attacked Captain Machchhar with an emergency crash axe, causing the aircraft to lose over 14,000 feet of altitude in under 30 seconds. Despite grave injuries, Machchhar fought back and unlocked the cockpit door so off-duty pilots and passengers could secure the plane.
The aircraft successfully landed at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia with all passengers and crew accounted for following the intervention of the captain, off-duty pilots, cabin crew, and passengers.
