Pilots’ body seeks national recognition for Captain Smit Machchhar

NEW DELHI: The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday seeking an appropriate national bravery award for flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, citing his “exceptional courage” and professional conduct during the mid-air emergency on September 30. The pilots' body said Machchhar, the pilot-in-command of Flydubai flight FZ1073, was reportedly attacked by the first officer with a crash axe and sustained serious injuries during the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.

Despite being injured, Machchhar continued to discharge his responsibilities as pilot-in-command, maintained control of the aircraft and ultimately diverted it safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, FIP said. "The Federation of Indian Pilots respectfully submits that acts of exceptional courage such as this deserve recognition at the highest appropriate level. We therefore request the Hon'ble Prime Minister's Office to kindly consider Capt. Smit for an appropriate National Bravery Award / national civilian recognition, in accordance with the applicable Government of India provisions and after due verification of the facts by the competent authorities," it said in a letter.

"Capt. Smit's actions demonstrate that, even when confronted with grave personal danger and serious injury, the responsibility of a true professional pilot remains firmly centred on the safety of those entrusted to his care," the pilots body said. The organisation noted that 174 passengers and eight crew members were onboard the flight and said Machchhar's actions under extreme personal danger contributed to bringing the aircraft safely to an alternate airport. FIP's appeal comes after Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora also wrote to PM Modi, urging the government to consider Machchhar for the Ashoka Chakra. Deora said the Mumbai-born pilot's actions demonstrated “courage, selflessness and duty” in an extreme situation.

Machchhar was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot during the flight, following which passengers and other crew members intervened. The aircraft had transmitted emergency signals and rapidly lost altitude before being diverted to Saudi Arabia. The UAE has ordered an investigation into the incident, including the circumstances, motives and any possible links to terrorist activity or prior planning. PM Modi has also spoken to Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage, presence of mind and composure during the incident.