Neerja in 1986, Machchhar in 2026: 2 heroes who put passengers before themselves
This feature compares the heroism of flight attendant Neerja Bhanot in 1986 and Captain Smit Machchhar in 2026, both of whom prioritized passenger safety during mid-air emergencies. The article honors their actions as defining moments in aviation history.
Why it matters
The piece serves as a tribute to aviation professionals who demonstrate extreme courage, while also reflecting on the evolution of in-flight security over four decades.
NEW DELHI: Four decades apart, two aviation professionals found themselves at the centre of terrifying emergencies in the skies, and both put the safety of passengers ahead of their own.In 1986, Chandigarh-born flight attendant Neerja Bhanot became a symbol of courage when she helped passengers escape from the hijacked Pan Am Flight 73 at Karachi before being fatally shot by the terrorists.In 2026, Mumbai-born Captain Smit Machchhar was injured after his Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked him aboard a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, but managed to regain control of the aircraft during a mid-air emergency.The two incidents are separated by 40 years, but both involved aviation professionals confronted with moments in which seconds could determine whether hundreds of people survived.Neerja Bhanot: Flight attendant who stayed behindOn September 5, 1986, Pan Am Flight 73 landed at Karachi while operating from Mumbai to New York via Frankfurt.
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