Mumbai, October 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The family of Captain Smit Machchhar, who allegedly fought off an attack by his co-pilot and helped save the lives of 170 people aboard a flydubai flight, has described his actions as a moment of pride and said his courage would inspire aspiring pilots.
Kishorbhai Machchhar, Smit’s uncle, said he had not spoken to his nephew directly but had learnt from Smit’s father that the pilot was now stable.
“I will go to meet him at his home in Dubai once he is discharged from the hospital. We just want him to come home, then we will have a grand celebration,” Kishorbhai told IANS.
He said the incident had sent a message that aviation was not merely a glamorous profession, but one in which passenger safety remained the foremost priority. He added that Smit’s courageous act would serve as motivation for aspiring pilots.
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Machchhar over a video call. During the conversation, the pilot reportedly told the Prime Minister that he had continued chanting the ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ while confronting the co-pilot.
Smit’s aunt, Sonal Machchhar, said religious traditions had been an important part of the family’s upbringing. She recalled that the ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ was played when the children were put to sleep and that family members sought blessings at the temple inside their home each morning.
Sonal said Smit and his cousin, her son, had initially been expected to join the family’s textile business. However, both later expressed their desire to pursue aviation. Although the family was initially surprised, it supported their decision. The two studied in New Zealand, and Smit’s cousin also works with flydubai.
Recalling the family’s meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Sonal said he had assured them of his support and prayed for Smit’s speedy recovery, offering assistance if required.
Smit’s cousin sister, Pooja Ganatra, who is the Centre Head of FlyBy Aviation Academy in Mumbai, said the family had initially been uncertain whether Smit was aboard the flight when news of the incident began circulating on television and social media.
She said her brother, who also works with flydubai, received information that Smit had been injured and alerted her. Pooja then informed the families and helped arrange for Smit’s parents to travel to Dubai, where they met him.
Describing his actions as a proud moment for the family and the wider world, Pooja said the incident had also been deeply emotional for them. She said the family was praying for his early recovery and hoping he would return home soon.
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