Brief
Indian pilots’ body asks for national bravery award for flydubai captain
The Federation of Indian Pilots wrote to the Prime Minister’s Office citing the captain’s actions that saved 182 lives on a September 30 flight.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has written to the Prime Minister’s Office asking that Captain Smit Machchhar, pilot‑in‑command of flydubai Flight FZ1073, be considered for a National Bravery Award.
What happened
On September 30, 2026, flydubai Flight FZ1073, carrying 174 passengers and eight crew members, was en route when the Omani co‑pilot, Hamam al‑Hammami, attacked Captain Machchhar with a crash axe in the cockpit. The captain was stabbed but managed to retain control of the aircraft and divert it to Tabuk, northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
What the reports add
The New Indian Express article notes that the Federation’s letter emphasizes the “entirely different and exceptionally grave challenge” of a cockpit assault compared with typical emergencies pilots train for. It also highlights that the captain opened the cockpit door, helped restrain the attacker and that 182 lives were saved as a result of his actions.
What was said
The Federation’s letter states: “Despite being badly injured and confronted with an extraordinarily dangerous situation within the flight deck, Capt. Smit continued to discharge his responsibilities as Pilot‑in‑Command.” It adds that his conduct demonstrated “extraordinary courage, resilience, situational awareness, leadership and devotion to duty.” The letter further urges the prime minister’s office to verify the incident through operational and medical records before any award is granted.
How it came about
FIP, which counted Machchhar as a member until 2022, says it continues to regard him as part of the wider fraternity of professional pilots. The request follows earlier recognitions, including a state award announced by the Gujarat government and media coverage of the incident’s impact on airline crew‑deployment policies.
Key facts
- Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked by co‑pilot Hamam al‑Hammami on September 30, 2026. (newindianexpress.com)
- The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely with 182 people saved. (newindianexpress.com)
- The Federation of Indian Pilots has asked the Prime Minister’s Office to consider Machchhar for a National Bravery Award. (newindianexpress.com)
Sources
- [1] newindianexpress.com — originally reported as “Pilots’ body seeks National Bravery Award for flydubai captain attacked by co-pilot mid-flight”
