Smit Machchhar

Smit Machchhar
Born	1987/1988 (age 38–39) Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Education	Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research Mainland Air Flight School
Occupation	Commercial pilot
Years active	2008–present
Known for	Captain of Flydubai Flight FZ1073
Spouse(s)	Sonal Machchhar
Children	2
Honours	Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award Smit Machchhar Bravery Award Mother Teresa Award Mankind Pharma, Rs 1 crore

Smit Machchhar is an Indian commercial airline pilot and captain with Flydubai. He previously worked for SpiceJet, where he served as a senior commander and line training captain. He joined flydubai in June 2022 as a direct-entry captain and has flown Boeing 737 aircraft.

On 30 September 2026, Machchhar was the captain of Flydubai Flight 1073, which was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after an altercation between the two pilots during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. During the flight, 29-year-old Omani national Hamam al-Hammami attacked Machchhar with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft, causing it to plunge over 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds. Despite his injuries, Machchhar fought back and, while lying on the cockpit floor, managed to unlock the sealed cockpit door. This action allowed passengers and crew to enter the cockpit; four Israeli passengers rushed in, overpowered Al-Hammami using a chokehold, headphone cords, and zip ties, and administered first aid to Machchhar. The UAE Attorney General later confirmed that al-Hammami had "begun to carry out a terrorist act" and that the investigation was examining whether the attack involved prior planning or direction.

Al-Hammami had previously been flagged as a security risk while working at Oman Air in 2024, where extremist materials were discovered in his possession, and he was subsequently removed from flight training. Despite these concerns, he was later hired by Flydubai and assigned to flights connecting the UAE and Israel.

Early life and education

Smit Machchhar in flight

Machchhar is of Gujarati origin and is from Mumbai.

He studied business administration at the Welingkar Institute of Management from June 2007 to April 2008 and received a bachelor's degree in the subject.

According to his LinkedIn profile, he went on to build more than 13 years of commercial flying experience on the Boeing 737 fleet, with over 9,750 flying hours. He initially planned to join his family's textile business and pursued a management degree to help grow the business. It was while studying for a management degree that he came across an aviation seminar. "That is where the aviation bug bit me," he said on a podcast. He said his mother had been reluctant to accept his career; "My mom was scared," he told the podcast host. "Because aviation today and aviation 15-17 years ago was completely different. You did not hear of a lot of people becoming pilots."

He trained as a pilot in New Zealand before joining SpiceJet. In the podcast, Machchhar recalled that his training cost around Rs 16-17 lakh and that his father was more accepting of the career choice.

Flying career

Machchhar joined SpiceJet in June 2011 and worked for the airline for about 11 years. He was based in Mumbai and became a senior commander. In November 2020, he became a line training captain, a position in which he trained and checked other pilots.

His work at SpiceJet included pilot training and mentoring, pilot assessment, crew resource management, flight standards and compliance, and operations involving Boeing 737 aircraft. During his time at SpiceJet, Machchhar logged more than 9,500 hours of flying, including more than 6,400 hours as pilot in command.

Machchhar joined Flydubai in June 2022 as a direct-entry captain. He has flown the airline's Boeing 737 fleet, including the 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 9. By September 2026, his flying experience was reported as about 9,750 hours and more than 13 years of commercial aviation experience.

Machchhar's work has included mentoring and assessing pilots, with responsibilities related to flight standards, compliance and operations. He had also expressed an interest in moving into pilot training at flydubai.

Flydubai Flight 1073 incident

Main article: Flydubai Flight 1073

Flight telemetry showing Flydubai Flight 1073's altitude and speed, including the steep dive at 05:20 UTC (Gulf time is 4 hours ahead)

On 30 September 2026, Machchhar was the pilot in command of Flydubai Flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 operating from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The aircraft was registered as A6-FKF.

More than two hours into the flight, an altercation occurred between Machchhar and Hamam al-Hammami in the flight deck. The aircraft subsequently transmitted emergency signals and entered a rapid descent. Flight-tracking data reported that it lost about 14,300 feet in 37 seconds, falling from an altitude of about 34,000 feet before the aircraft diverted towards Saudi Arabia. The aircraft made a sudden and extreme dive from over 30,000 feet to 15,000 feet at a speed approaching 1,000 kilometres per hour. The aircraft initially transmitted the international emergency transponder code 7700 and subsequently transmitted 7500, the code associated with unlawful interference. Machchhar was stabbed during the confrontation. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk Airport in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Both pilots were taken to hospital after the landing, and Machchhar underwent surgery for his injuries. He was later reported to be in stable condition.

The other pilot was identified as an Omani national Hamam al-Hammami. Israeli officials said that he attacked Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft. According to accounts reported by Reuters and the Associated Press, passengers and a crew member entered the cockpit after the aircraft began its rapid descent and subdued the other pilot. Other pilots travelling on the flight subsequently helped operate the aircraft until it landed in Tabuk. Reports from the incident said that Machchhar, despite his injuries, helped regain access to the cockpit after the confrontation. Passengers and crew members then helped restrain the other pilot. The sequence of events inside the cockpit was not immediately established in full.

In a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Machchhar described how he opened the cockpit door despite his injuries:

“I had suffered so many injuries that I had collapsed. At that time, I could feel that the aircraft was going down. I knew this was the last push, that the door was right there. I was being hit even then, but I just opened the door and everyone came in. In that moment, I was fighting for my life. But there was a moment then when I realised that if I didn't do something … I had fallen down, I had so many injuries but I thought then if I don't get up … I had been flying for 17 years, I have been captain for the last 11 years. With my eyes closed, I know what is happening in the plane. I had fallen but I realised, understood, that the aircraft was going down. I thought, 'Smit, you need to do something, you need to give one last push. The door is just there.' I was in a lot of pain but I just opened it and the others came in. I was telling everyone that I was doing it to save my own life, but I also knew that I could not let the others die either. Everyone else had as much of a role in this as well.”

— Captain Smit Machchhar, 2 October 2026

A US Senator and FAA commercial pilot, Tim Sheehy, told Fox News that Machchhar may have used the aircraft's transponder to alert air traffic controllers while fighting off the co-pilot, effectively sending an emergency signal. According to an Israeli passenger's account, the attacker was trying to push the wounded pilot out of the cockpit to take control alone. Israeli passengers sitting near the front rushed toward the struggle. The men who could fly the plane had frozen, and the passenger had to shake them to get them to move to the front and take control. An Israeli dentist on board treated the wounded pilot. The passenger said the pilot was gravely injured and credited the dentist with saving his life. Passengers used charging cables to restrain the attacker. Flydubai described the event as an incident that occurred while the aircraft was en route and said that the circumstances were subject to investigation.

Israeli officials subsequently said that they were investigating the possibility that the other pilot had deliberately attempted to crash the aircraft. An Israeli official initially told Reuters that the incident was not believed to be a conventional hijacking. The motive for the confrontation remained unclear in the initial investigation. An initial investigation of the flight data raised a strong suspicion that one of the flight crew members attempted to commit suicide and crash the plane, according to Israeli media. The plane, which had about 180 Israeli citizens on board, made an extreme and dangerous dive from a cruising altitude of over 30,000 feet to about 15,000 feet at a tremendous speed that approached the speed of sound – close to 1,000 kilometres per hour. The data from the MAX 8 aircraft's monitoring and tracking systems also present an unusually intense picture. During the cruise phase, at an altitude of approximately 35,000 feet, a sudden and vertical descent was recorded at an unimaginable dive rate that peaked at approximately 30,976 feet per minute, alongside a ground speed that exceeded 500 knots- approximately 930 kilometres per hour. During those critical seconds, the engines and rudders were pushed into action, which meant "deliberately crashing the plane into the ground". The report added that the second pilot recognised the attempt to commit suicide-murder, jumped on his cabin mate and began a physical struggle for control of the stick and rudders. It was then that he sent distress signals 7700 and 7500. The flight diverted to Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk. Both pilots were hospitalised in Saudi Arabia, and Machchhar underwent surgery for his injuries. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said that he was receiving treatment in Tabuk and was in stable condition.

On 3 October 2026, the UAE Attorney General, Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, announced that the investigation had revealed that al-Hammami had "begun to carry out a terrorist act" and had attacked the captain with the cockpit's emergency crash axe. The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) cautioned against speculation and confirmed that the investigation was continuing in coordination with regional and international authorities. Flydubai temporarily suspended its operations to Tel Aviv at the request of the authorities while the investigation continued. The co-pilot was extradited from Saudi Arabia to the UAE to face a terrorism investigation.

Passengers were later flown to Israel on a replacement Flydubai aircraft. Passengers described the ordeal as "very terrifying". One passenger said for a moment he felt like he was "not among the living". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently described Machchhar as a "true hero" and said that he had saved 174 lives. The comments were made while the circumstances of the incident were still under investigation.

The aircraft carried more than 170 passengers and crew members. All passengers and crew were accounted for after the aircraft landed in Tabuk.

Medical treatment

After his medical treatment in Saudi Arabia, he was taken by air medical services to the United Arab Emirates for further treatment. Emergency doctors discovered that he had suffered a depressed skull fracture from the crash axe attack to the back of the head, and required surgery. He was visited there by the Ambassador of India, and was reunited with his family who flew from India to Dubai.

Machchhar told Prime Minister Modi that he recited the Hindu devotional hymn, Hanuman Chalisa, while he was being attacked by his co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami.

Aftermath and reactions

Machchhar's actions drew widespread praise from leaders and officials. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Machchhar a "HERO," stating: "In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others. His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. India is proud of Captain Machchhar." Modi also spoke to Machchhar's wife and parents, commending his bravery and assuring the family that Indian missions were coordinating with local authorities to support them. In a video call with PM Modi, Machchhar recounted his experience, stating he made "one last push" to open the cockpit door after being attacked, realizing that staying down meant certain death.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Machchhar as a "true hero," saying he "saved the lives of 174 people" and prevented "a catastrophic mid-air disaster." Netanyahu added: "Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker."

Play Video

Local File

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi publicly released video of a phone call reach out to Smit Machchhar as he recovered in hospital in the United Arab Emirates.

U.S. President Donald Trump also hailed Machchhar as a hero for fighting off the knife attack and calling for help to foil the bid to crash the aircraft.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog thanked Captain Machchhar, saying: "To Captain Smith Machchhar - thank you from the bottom of my heart for the bravery, determination, and actions that saved many lives. I wish you a full recovery and strong health. The State of Israel extends immense gratitude to you." Herzog also announced his intention to recommend the President's Medal for Civilian Bravery for four Israeli passengers who displayed "extraordinary courage" during the incident.

SpiceJet CEO Ajay Singh praised Machchhar, saying the airline was "incredibly proud" of him and that he had done his job in an "exemplary and brave manner." SpiceJet issued a statement calling Machchhar a "hero" who had saved "countless lives."

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said it was closely monitoring Machchhar's health and was in touch with his family and Saudi authorities to extend all possible assistance. After receiving initial treatment in Tabuk, Machchhar was shifted to Abu Dhabi for continued medical attention and recovery. India's Ambassador to the UAE, Dr Deepak Mittal, met Machchhar and his family in Abu Dhabi and reported that the pilot was in "good spirits," speaking openly, smiling, and laughing.

The Crown Prince of Dubai Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum visited Machchhar while in hospital in his country. He said he represented the governmental leadership of the country in praising Machchhar for his actions, and stated he felt pride at having Machchhar serving as a pilot within his country. The Crown Prince said Machchhar represented the values of the UAE in emphasising humanity, peace, and kindness.

Machchhar had a call from his hospital bed with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on 3 October 2026. He told the Prime Minister new information about how he was attacked on the plane. He said Hamam al-Hammami had gotten up two hours into the flight to pray, which Machchhar regarded as a routine activity. Machchhar then felt himself being struck in the back of the head, and began to lose his ability of vision from the assault. He said his flight attendants in his crew were trying to input the door code to enter the cockpit during the assault, but the assailant was not allowing them to utilize the entry code to gain access to help the captain.

Indian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Deepak Mittal, released a statement that the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), Hindu denomination within the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, held a special prayer session for Machchhar's healing and recovery from his injuries. The group consisted of expatriate devotees and swamis from India that were living in Abu Dhabi.

Personal life

Machchhar's parents are Bhupendra Machchhar and Geeta Machchhar. Within the Gujarati ethnicity, his family comes from the Brahmakshatriya community. Machchhars family dates back to the Halari branch of the Gujarati Brahmakshatriya, with ties to both the Nagar Brahmins and Kshatriyas. Within the state of Gujarat, the Nagar Brahmin peoples had significant experience within the fields of teaching and management. Machchhar has family in Surat, Gujarat, but he is from Ghatkopar, Mumbai. His family owns and operates a conventional textile company. He has a brother who is also a pilot and recently joined flydubai. He moved to Dubai with his family around two to three years ago.

Machchhar lives in Dubai with his wife, Sonal Machchhar, and their two children. His wife spoke about the incident, saying she was "very devastated" and did not have the "mental capacity" to react when she first heard the news.

Machchhar is known to keep his aviation career separate from his personal life. In his 2025 podcast interview, he said, "When I get out of the cockpit or the aircraft, I don't want the other guy to know that I'm a pilot. I don't want to discuss aviation... The kids are there. They want to play with you." He has spoken about the importance of work-life balance and spending time with family. He has also detailed challenges he faced in the air, including when a passenger went into early labour and the crew worked together to ensure the baby was born safely. He credited senior pilots with teaching him how to face stressful situations.

A doctor-friend of Machchhar, Dr Jinit Shah, described him as a "tremendously talented person from the very beginning... an extremely pure-hearted person and soft-spoken. He is a fast decision-maker and that is why I think it helped him yesterday."

Awards and honours

For his actions on Flydubai Flight 1073, the Government of Gujarat announced that Machchhar would receive the Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award. The award was announced by Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendrabhai Patel. Patel said the award recognised his bravery and calm demeanor under an emergency. The government also announced a cash reward of ₹25 lakh (2.5 million rupees) for the pilot.

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) wrote to Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in a letter from 2 October 2026, requesting Machchhar be given a National Bravery Award.

Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, stated his country would give an honour to Machchhar for his actions saving the lives of those onboard his airplane.

Indian Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, and Sun Foundation Chairman Vikramjit Singh Sahney, publicised an award on 3 October 2026 to Machchhar. Sahney declared a "Smit Machchhar Bravery Award" for Machchhar's courageous actions. The award came with a monetary prize of 25 lakh Indian rupees. Sahney wrote a separate letter to Prime Minister Modi, asking for Machchhar be given India's highest award for peacetime gallantry; the Ashoka Chakra Award.

Member of parliament in the Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra, Milind Deora, also called for him to receive the Ashoka Chakra Award. Deora wrote a separate letter to the Prime Minister's office requesting Machchhar get the Ashoka Chakra recognition.

MP Kartikeya Sharma serving as a Member of the upper house of the Indian Parliament from Haryana echoed the calls of his colleagues to grant Machchhar the Ashoka Chakra Award. Sharma wrote a letter to Prime Minister Modi that was released, and also issued a press release, calling on the Indian government to grant Machchhar the award.

Alongside ministers of parliament, the student body organization, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), echoed the politicians' requests for Machchhar to receive the Ashoka Chakra Award. The District Bar Association of Gurugram sent a letter to their local government administration requesting Machchhar be granted the Ashoka Chakra Award. The Tehsildar officer for Gurugram formally received the letter and forwarded it along to the office of the Prime Minister of India.

Abraham Mathai, founder of the non-governmental organization Harmony Foundation in Mumbai, nominated Machchhar for their Mother Teresa Award. The organization said it was going to give Machchhar one of their Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice because his courage gave pride to Indian people and the planet.

Mankind Pharma, an Indian multinational pharmaceutical and healthcare company headquartered in Delhi, announced an award to Machchhar and his family, for preventing a disaster on his airplane, of 1 crore Indian rupees.

B. S. Yediyurappa, Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Karnataka, stated he would campaign for Machchhar to receive the Bharat Ratna — the highest civilian award of the Republic of India. He convened a press conference in Kalaburagi, where he publicly called on the President of India Droupadi Murmu and the Prime Minister of India to grant Machchhar the Bharat Ratna Award.

Israel

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu extended an invitation to both Machchhar, along with Indian Prime Minister Modi, to hold a triumphant torch during the Israel Independence Day for 11-12 May 2027. Netanyahu explained the duty of holding a light in celebration during Israel's Independence Day is usually a task reserved only for citizens of Israel. He emphasized to Machchhar that the people of Israel would make an exception for him, and adopt and welcome him into the celebratory process. Netanyahu told Machchhar that the act of lighting a flame for the country on its Independence Day was the highest honour they could bestow upon him.

Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel planned to name a lounge in the building in honor of Machchhar. Politician Almog Cohen stated he would put forth a bill in the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, to formally name the designated parlor area at the airport in Machchhar's name.

United States

The United States House of Representatives passed a resolution on 6 October 2026, honoring the actions of Machchhar. The resolution recognized Machchhar for high admirable bravery in safeguarding the lives of those aboard his aircraft. The House of Representatives also commended the roles of passengers, flight crew, and the off-duty pilots that came to assist during the attack.

See also

• Pan Am Flight 73
  • Neerja Bhanot – Indian flight attendant, a recipient of Ashoka Chakra and Nishan-e-Pakistan

External links

• Mehta, Zalak (17 October 2025), "Captain Smit Machchhar (The Indian Hero) Ep-2 of Bonafide Banter with CS Zalak Mehta", Bonafide Banter, YouTube, archived from the original on 2026-09-30
• Modi, Narendra (2 October 2026), "PM Interacts with Captain Smit Machchhar", Prime Minister of India, Government of India
• "PM Modi calls Captain Smit Machchhar, wishes him a speedy recovery", PMO India, YouTube, 2 October 2026
• Government Press Office, Israel (3 October 2026), "PM Netanyahu talks to Captain Smit Machchhar, of the flight from Dubai", IsraeliPM, YouTube