New Delhi, October 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
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 a national bravery award in recognition of his conduct during a mid-air emergency involving an alleged cockpit assault.
In a representation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, FIP President Captain C.S. Randhawa said Machchhar had demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism after being seriously injured during an altercation with the flight’s first officer while the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight was airborne on September 30.
According to the federation, Machchhar continued to discharge his responsibilities as Pilot-in-Command despite his injuries and the threat to his safety. The aircraft, which was carrying 174 passengers and eight crew members, was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing.
The FIP described the incident as an “extraordinarily dangerous situation” in the cockpit and said Machchhar’s actions merited consideration 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 representation stated.
The federation said Machchhar was reportedly attacked by the first officer with a crash axe, sustaining serious injuries. During the incident, the aircraft reportedly experienced a sharp descent before the situation was brought under control.
Despite being injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to intervene. The flight was then diverted to Tabuk and landed safely. Machchhar was later shifted to Abu Dhabi for continued medical treatment.
The FIP said the incident highlighted the responsibility borne by flight crew members, particularly when passengers and other crew members have no direct control over events unfolding inside the cockpit.
“The ability to remain sufficiently composed, exercise command and make critical decisions while injured and under threat demonstrates extraordinary courage, resilience, situational awareness, leadership and devotion to duty,” the federation said.
The federation also noted that Machchhar had been an FIP member until 2022. Although he was no longer a member, it continued to regard him as part of the wider professional pilots’ fraternity.
The FIP has requested the PMO to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, obtain relevant operational and medical records, and consider Machchhar for “the highest appropriate form of recognition” under applicable government provisions.
The appeal follows Prime Minister Modi’s public appreciation of Machchhar’s courage. The Prime Minister said the pilot’s valour had helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy.
Machchhar also spoke to Modi from his hospital bed on Friday and recounted how, despite being injured and lying on the cockpit floor, he realised that the aircraft was descending and managed to open the cockpit door to allow others to enter.
He said he was “fighting for my life” but understood that passengers could lose their lives if he did not act.
The incident remains under investigation. The United Arab Emirates’ General Civil Aviation Authority has said its teams, in coordination with relevant authorities, are examining the causes and circumstances of the incident, including operational and security aspects.
The authority has also cautioned against circulating unofficial information before the investigation establishes the findings.
The FIP has copied its representation to Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
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