'Exceptional courage': Pilots body seeks bravery award for Smit Machchhar, writes to PM
The Federation of Indian Pilots has requested a national bravery award for Captain Smit Machchhar, who safely landed a flight after being attacked by his co-pilot. The pilot managed to divert the plane to Saudi Arabia despite sustaining serious injuries.
Why it matters
The incident highlights critical aviation safety protocols and the professional conduct of pilots during extreme in-flight emergencies.
NEW DELHI: The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday seeking an appropriate national bravery award for flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, citing his “exceptional courage” and professional conduct during the mid-air emergency on September 30.The pilots' body said Machchhar, the pilot-in-command of Flydubai flight FZ1073, was reportedly attacked by the first officer with a crash axe and sustained serious injuries during the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.Despite being injured, Machchhar continued to discharge his responsibilities as pilot-in-command, maintained control of the aircraft and ultimately diverted it safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, FIP said."The Federation of Indian Pilots respectfully submits that acts of exceptional courage such as this deserve recognition at the highest appropriate level. We therefore request the Hon'ble Prime Minister's Office to kindly consider Capt.
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