The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has urged the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to consider Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of Flydubai Flight FZ1073, for an appropriate national bravery award following his actions during a mid-air emergency that reportedly involved 182 people.
In a representation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, FIP President Captain C.S. The aircraft was later diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. Randhawa said Machchhar showed exceptional courage and professionalism after he was seriously injured during an altercation with the flight’s first officer while the Dubai-Tel Aviv service was airborne on September 30.
Machchhar continued to carry out his responsibilities as Pilot-in-Command despite his injuries and the threat inside the cockpit, according to the federation. FIP described the incident as an “extraordinarily dangerous situation” and said Machchhar’s actions should be considered for national recognition, subject to verification by the competent authorities. “Captain Smit’s actions under circumstances of extreme personal danger contributed to bringing the aircraft safely to an alternate airport,” the federation said in its representation. The FIP said Machchhar was reportedly attacked by the first officer with a crash axe and suffered serious injuries during the confrontation.
Machchhar also spoke to the Prime Minister from his hospital bed on Friday. The request comes after Prime Minister Modi publicly praised the pilot’s actions.
Modi said Machchhar’s valour had helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy. Recalling the incident, he said that although he was injured and lying on the cockpit floor, he realised that the aircraft was descending and managed to open the cockpit door so others could enter.
