Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Calls Grow for Ashoka Chakra for Flydubai Captain
Captain Smit Machchhar was flying a plane from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a serious fight reportedly happened in the cockpit.
The first officer allegedly attacked him and caused serious injuries.
Even while hurt, Machchhar continued trying to control the aircraft and protect everyone aboard.
He reportedly opened the cockpit door so other people could help.
Two pilots who were passengers also helped take control of the plane.
The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
One account says the plane carried 174 passengers, while another earlier description referred to 174 people aboard.
Milind Deora and the Federation of Indian Pilots want the government to honour Machchhar for his bravery.
Authorities are expected to verify the facts before deciding whether and how to recognise him.
Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider Captain Smit Machchhar for the Ashoka Chakra.
The Federation of Indian Pilots separately sought a national bravery award or other civilian recognition for Machchhar.
Machchhar was seriously injured during an alleged cockpit attack by the first officer on September 30.
Despite his injuries, he reportedly continued commanding flight FZ1073, opened the cockpit door and helped enable intervention.
The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers and eight crew members according to the FIP, landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar, Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora and the Federation of Indian Pilots are central to the award requests.
- What
- Deora and the pilots’ body asked the government to consider Machchhar for the Ashoka Chakra or another national bravery and civilian award.
- When
- The cockpit incident occurred on September 30; the requests were made in letters dated October 2, 2026.
- Where
- The incident occurred aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv; the aircraft diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The advocates said Machchhar continued commanding the aircraft and helped protect those aboard despite being seriously injured.
Award Advocates
Verification Before Recognition
Whether Machchhar should receive a national award
Award Advocates
Milind Deora and the Federation of Indian Pilots say Machchhar demonstrated extraordinary courage, leadership and devotion to duty while seriously injured, warranting the Ashoka Chakra or another national recognition.
Verification Before Recognition
The Federation of Indian Pilots also said recognition should follow verification by competent authorities and examination of relevant operational and medical records.
How many people were aboard
Award Advocates
The Federation of Indian Pilots said the flight carried 174 passengers and eight crew members, for a total of 182 people.
Verification Before Recognition
Deora’s account described Machchhar’s actions as helping save all 174 people aboard, creating a discrepancy in the reported total.
- Flight
- flydubai FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Incident date
- September 30, 2026
- Proposed honour
- Ashoka Chakra or another national bravery/civilian recognition
- Award advocates
- Milind Deora and the Federation of Indian Pilots
- Reported casualties
- Machchhar and the first officer were injured; Machchhar was reported stable while recovering
- Emergency landing
- Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
