Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Pilots’ Body Seeks Bravery Award for Flydubai Captain
A pilots’ group wants Captain Smit Machchhar to receive a bravery award.
The group wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about him.
It said the captain was reportedly attacked by the first officer using a crash axe.
The captain was seriously hurt.
He was also facing danger inside the cockpit.
Even so, he continued doing his job as the person in charge of the plane.
He used his judgment during the emergency.
The plane was safely diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
A pilots’ federation wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a bravery award for Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar.
The federation said Machchhar was reportedly attacked by the first officer with a crash axe.
Machchhar sustained serious injuries during the reported attack.
Despite the injuries and an immediate flight-deck threat, he continued acting as pilot-in-command.
The aircraft was safely diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, according to the federation.
- Who
- The pilots’ federation, Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar, the first officer, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- What
- The pilots’ federation requested a bravery award for Machchhar after he reportedly continued flying responsibilities despite a serious attack and injuries.
- When
- The articles do not specify when the incident or letter occurred.
- Where
- The reported attack occurred inside the aircraft’s flight deck, and the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The federation said Machchhar showed extraordinary courage, command, and judgment under extreme circumstances.
- Award requested
- A bravery award for Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar
- Request sent to
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Reported weapon
- A crash axe
- Reported injuries
- Serious injuries to Machchhar
- Aircraft outcome
- The aircraft was diverted safely
- Diversion location
- Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Reason for recognition
- Continuing as pilot-in-command under extreme circumstances