Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar's extraordinary courage helped save lives: Naidu
NEW DELHI, Oct 1 : Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Thursday said Flydubai flight's captain Smit Machchhar's extraordinary courage and presence of mind in the cockpit helped save every life on board. Machchhar, the captain of the flight...
04:28 AM Oct 02, 2026 IST
NEW DELHI, Oct 1 : Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Thursday said Flydubai flight's captain Smit Machchhar's extraordinary courage and presence of mind in the cockpit helped save every life on board.
Machchhar, the captain of the flight FZ1073, thwarted his co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash the aircraft on Wednesday.
He was stabbed and sustained injuries.
"From our skies to skies across the world, Indian pilots have earned respect for their skill, discipline and uncompromising commitment to safety," Naidu said in a post on X.
Machchhar has made every Indian proud, Naidu said, adding that extraordinary courage and presence of mind in the cockpit helped save every life on board.
"Salute to Capt. Smit Machchhar for upholding the Indian spirit of service before self," the minister said.
A native of Mumbai, Machchhar was with SpiceJet for over a decade before taking up the role of Captain at Flydubai in June 2022.
"You are a hero to us all, Captain," SpiceJet said in a post on X.
The airline said Machchhar's heroism saved countless lives and expressed its deepest respect for him.
His courage and selfless actions are a true embodiment of the values we hold dear at SpiceJet, the post said.
The plane, operating flight FZ1073 enroute to Tel Aviv from Dubai, had transmitted emergency signals and made a sharp descent before diverting to Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
There were 174 passengers onboard the aircraft. (PTI)
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