Smit Machchhar

Smit Machchhar
Smit Machchhar in hospital in Abu Dhabi
Born	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" (announced)

Smit Machchhar is an Indian commercial pilot who, while serving as the captain aboard Flydubai Flight 1073 on 30 September 2026 on a Boeing 737 MAX, was stabbed by his co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami in the cockpit. Machchhar suffered serious injuries in the attack and managed to open the cockpit door from the inside, allowing crew and passengers to intervene and subdue the co-pilot. The airplane then safely made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with no fatalities.

Before joining Flydubai, Machchhar worked at SpiceJet for 11 years and has previous experience flying the Boeing 737. He initially received his flight training at Mainland Air Flight School in New Zealand. Prior to entering flight school, Machchhar had thought he would enter his family's business. He enrolled in a textile engineering course and later pursued management studies at the Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research.

After sustaining trauma from being attacked by his co-pilot on Flight 1073, he was treated at hospital in Saudi Arabia and then flown by air medical services to another hospital in Abu Dhabi. While there, he received a well wishing visit from the Ambassador of India, and was reunited with his family. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi first contacted his family, and then arranged to have a phone call with Machchhar as well while he was recuperating in hospital.

The Government of Gujarat recognised Machchhar's life-saving efforts on Flydubai Flight 1073, with the Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award. Indian Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, along with Sun Foundation Chairman Vikramjit Singh Sahney, created the "Smit Machchhar Bravery Award" in his honour. Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said his government would honour Machchhar for his actions saving lives onboard his airplane. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi received a letter from The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) requesting Machchhar be given a National Bravery Award from his country.

Early life and education

Originally from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Machchhar is a Gujarati Hindu. His parents are Bhupendra Machchhar and Geeta Machchhar. His family and friends call him by the nickname Smit Mac. His family is from the Ghatkopar East suburb of Mumbai. His family worked in the textile industry, and as a child he assumed he would join the family business. He studied and received degrees in both management and textile engineering. He studied business at Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research.

At the age of 19, he went to a seminar on the airline industry, which led him to research how to become a professional airline pilot. In a 2025 interview on a YouTube channel hosted by Zalak Mehta, he said, that as opposed to other pilots operating aircraft at that time, he had not originally had a childhood dream to enter flight training, but rather was inspired to do so at a later point in his career. In 2008, Machchhar spent 18 months in Dunedin, New Zealand, doing flight training at Mainland Air out of Dunedin Airport. His friend Dharav Gosalia, who attended flight school with him, later spent six years working alongside him at SpiceJet. Captain Dhaval Patel, a fellow pilot and friend who trained with him in New Zealand, said Machchhar enjoyed teaching and mentoring others. Patel said he recalled Machchhar assisting friends and fellow flight students and pilots, helping them with key points in flight training and distilling his knowledge to them. Mainland Air stated he was accomplished academically, and that he was prominent among his peers and excelled in his coursework. Mainland Air CEO Philip Kean recalled Machchhar was constantly happy to be learning during his time in flight school, and worked diligently to achieve in his studies. After completing his training, Machchhar returned to India to work as a pilot.

Career

A6-FKF, the aircraft piloted by Machchhar for Flydubai, photographed in January 2026

Machchhar's first professional experience in the cockpit of a commercial airliner was on a flight in India, from Bengaluru to Delhi. He noted of this early flying experience, that he felt anxious not due to the flying skills needed but rather the duty of commanding a commercial aircraft. From early on in his professional flying experience, Machchhar knew that he wanted to pilot Boeing airplanes. He said the first aircraft he flew was built by Boeing, and he had stayed with planes built by the company throughout his subsequent career. He was hired by the Indian airline SpiceJet in 2011. He worked there alongside his friend from Mumbai and fellow flight school graduate colleague, Captain Dharav Gosalia. Machchhar worked for SpiceJet for 11 years. His roles there included senior commander, line training captain, and mentor to other pilots.

He was hired by Flydubai as a captain and pilot in 2022, and worked out of their Dubai facilities. By 2026, he had garnered over 13 years experience as a commercial pilot. He logged 9,750 hours on the Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8/9 aircraft. Of this, he served as pilot-in-command for 6,400 hours on those aircraft.

As a captain, Machchhar had previously dealt with monsoon turbulence and an in-flight birth. He has described the experience of dealing with the in-flight birth as part of his experience as a captain.

Machchhar has also mentored pilots at Fly By Aviation, a private flight school.

Flydubai Flight 1073

Main article: Flydubai Flight 1073

Flight telemetry showing aircraft entering a steep dive at 05:20 (UTC; Gulf time is 4 hours ahead)

Machchhar served as pilot on the Flydubai Flight FZ1073 on 30 September 2026. The aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 (registration A6-FKF), was carrying 174 passengers and six crew members from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion Airport in Israel. The Indian Express reported that the plane descended 14,125 feet in 29 seconds. The airplane transmitted emergency code 7700, followed by aircraft hijacking code 7500.

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu stated the co-pilot attempted to crash the plane after stabbing Machchhar. Though badly injured by his Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, he fought back and unlocked the cockpit door, allowing crew and passengers to subdue the co-pilot. Passengers and crew entered the cockpit and helped subdue the co-pilot, while two relief pilots subsequently took control of the aircraft. By the time he was able to open the cockpit door, Machchhar had already lost a great deal of blood and collapsed. While lying on the floor and bleeding, under the care of a dentist passenger, Machchhar told the dentist about his children and asked him to save his life. The dentist, Shota Musaev, said Machchhar had suffered significant haemorrhaging from damaged blood vessels and that his condition had been potentially life-threatening. Captain Machchhar recited the Hanuman Chalisa which gave him the mental strength to survive the attack by the religious fanatic co-pilot.

Two relief pilots on the airplane reached the cockpit. The airplane made an emergency landing at Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Both pilots were taken to hospital. Machchhar underwent surgery and was in stable condition. The passengers were transferred to another Flydubai aircraft after Saudi Arabia refused to let Israel send planes to collect them. Flydubai temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel while it investigated the incident. Israeli government sources called the incident an act of terror and started an investigation. The co-pilot was interrogated by Saudi authorities. Israel began more aggressive screening procedures for foreign pilots on planes with passengers from Israel.

After his medical treatment in Saudi Arabia, he was taken by air medical services to Abu Dhabi. He was visited there by the Ambassador of India. His family had travelled there to be with him.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called Machchhar a courageous saviour and said that Machchhar had saved the lives of 174 people. This praise was echoed by the Embassy of India in Saudi Arabia.

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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.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi personally reached out to the wife and parents of Machchhar. Modi told the family that he was keeping the health and safe recovery of Machchhar in his prayers. Modi stated that during ongoing threat to his own life and while experiencing serious injuries, Machchhar displayed bravery while concerned to assist the lives of his passengers. The Prime Minister noted Machchhar averted deaths of hundreds and prevented a disaster from occurring. Modi said the pilot had displayed calm and collected actions under pressure. He stated the captain's actions averted a disaster similar to the September 11 attacks from being successfully carried out on his airplane. Speaking for the people of India, Modi emphasised he felt that Machchhar's courage inspired the Indian people with honour.

Two separate GoFundMe fundraisers were set up to support Machchhar's family and medical expenses. The Jerusalem Post reported that one campaign had raised more than US$73,000 toward a US$130,000 goal, while a second had raised more than US$6,000. Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar praised Machchhar, writing: "A true real-life hero. The entire world is proud of you." Fellow cricketers including Suresh Raina, Virender Sehwag, and Yuvraj Singh sent messages of support. He received comments honouring his actions from Bollywood film actors including Shamita Shetty, Raveena Tandon, and Sonam Kapoor.

While in hospital in Abu Dhabi, Machchhar received a phone call from Indian Prime Minister Modi. Machchhar was heartened by the call, telling Modi he felt pride that the Prime Minister had reached out to him at that time, and he looked up to Modi as his role model. Machchhar explained to Modi he had been fighting to survive in the cockpit of his airplane. The Prime Minister's office publicly released video of the phone call interaction between the Indian leader and the pilot on 2 October 2026. Machchhar explained how he struggled to get help and open the cockpit door as he was being attacked. He told Modi that he was motivated both to save his own life, and the lives of everyone on board his aircraft. Machchhar stated he felt a duty to respond, but he fell to the floor from his injuries and could sense the airplane was rapidly descending in altitude. He explained to Modi the difficulty in summoning the energy to open the cockpit door to request help. He said as he was attempting to open the cockpit door, his co-pilot was simultaneously assaulting him. Prime Minister Modi also spoke to Machchhar in Gujarati (in addition to Hindi), as both are originally from the state of Gujarat in the West of India. Modi spoke on behalf of the Indian people, encouraging Machchhar to make a full recovery and that the entire country was supporting his healing process. The Prime Minister told the pilot his example illustrated the importance of saving lives to the Indian people, over and above harming others.

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. The Crown Prince stated he felt pride at having Machchhar serving as a pilot within his country. He 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.

Personal life and family

Machchhar lives in Dubai with his spouse Sonal Machchhar and two children. They moved to Dubai for his role with Flydubai.

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 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. Ambassador Azar praised the pilot's courage under an emergency situation. He said Machchhar's bravery had moved the people of Israel, and that the nation's government officials perceived his bravery under crisis.

Indian Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, and Sun Foundation Chairman Vikramjit Singh Sahney, publicised an award on 3 October 2026 to Machchhar. He declared a "Smit Machchhar Bravery Award" for Machchhar's courageous actions while under threat of his life while being attacked in his cockpit on the flight to Tel Aviv out of Dubai. The award came with a monetary prize of 25 lakh Indian rupees (US$35501.13). Sahney wrote a letter to Prime Minister Modi, asking for Machchhar be given the National Bravery Award and the Ashoka Chakra Award. Sahney said the monetary portion of the award would use Machchhar's name to help budding young flight captains to receive scholarships for flight training school.

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.

See also

• Pan Am Flight 73
  • Neerja Bhanot – Indian flight attendant, a recipient of Ashoka Chakra and Nishan-e-Pakistan
• Barbara Jane Harrison
• Frankie Housley
• United Airlines Flight 93
  • Todd Beamer
  • Mark Bingham
  • Tom Burnett
  • Jeremy Glick

Further reading

• Pokharel, Krishna; Hassan, Aakash, "The 38-Year-Old Captain Who Fought Off Cockpit Attack on FlyDubai Flight - Smit Machchhar is hailed for his heroism after being stabbed on Flight 1073", The Wall Street Journal
• Sengupta, Somini; Raj, Suhasini; Mashal, Mujib (1 October 2026), "Who Is the Indian Pilot Being Hailed as a Hero? - Capt. Smit Machchhar suffered stab wounds while fending off an attack from his co-pilot, saving the lives of around 170 people on board, officials said.", The New York Times, retrieved 1 October 2026
• Craw, Victoria (1 October 2026), "Who is the Indian pilot who fought off his cockpit attacker? - Captain Smit Machchhar once said he had planned to join his family's textile business before being bitten by the "aviation bug."", The Washington Post, retrieved 1 October 2026

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
• 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, also on Wikimedia Commons at File:PM Modi calls Captain Smit Machchhar, wishes him a speedy recovery.webm.