Dr. Janit Shah remembers him as quiet. Not the kind of person who commands a room, but the kind who listens. "Smit Machchhar is a talented, soft-spoken, and good man," Shah told ANI, reflecting on their 10 to 15 years as neighbors in Mumbai before the pilot relocated to Dubai two or three years ago. The stark contrast between that gentle demeanor and the violence he endured in mid-air is what has stunned his old community.
The incident unfolded on a Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to reports, the co-pilot attacked and stabbed Captain Machchhar during the flight. Despite sustaining serious injuries, Machchhar managed to reach the cockpit floor and activate the door release. This critical action allowed crew members and passengers to enter, overpower the co-pilot, and regain control of the aircraft.
Two other Flydubai pilots traveling as passengers assisted in securing the cockpit. The flight, carrying approximately 174 people, was diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Flight-tracking data indicates the plane descended sharply from 34,000 feet to below 20,000 feet during the struggle before stabilizing. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers were accounted for.
Prateek Gandhi, another former neighbor who played cricket with Machchhar as a child, recalled the pilot’s calm nature even in youth. "We are proud that he was born here and has done such a wonderful job for our country," Gandhi stated. Social media has flooded with tributes, with many demanding the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, for Machchhar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Machchhar’s wife and parents, praising the pilot’s actions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also commended him, citing the saving of 180 lives. Indian officials in Saudi Arabia confirmed that Machchhar is receiving medical attention in Tabuk and remains stable, with the embassy coordinating with local authorities to support the family.