Flydubai captain hailed in UAE, India for saving 174 lives during hijacking attempt
Dubai, Oct 8. Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar, who is credited with saving the lives of 174 passengers during an attempted hijacking of his aircraft, is being widely honoured in both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India as he continues to recover in hospital from head injuries sustained in the attack.
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum visited Machchhar in hospital and praised his courage and determination. Images and video from the meeting showed the injured pilot with his head bandaged and receiving oxygen support.
Sheikh Hamdan said Machchhar had demonstrated “the highest levels of courage and responsibility for human life”, adding that the UAE leadership valued his actions and was proud that he was part of the Flydubai team and the country’s story.
The Indian-born pilot has also received widespread recognition in India, with political and religious figures praising his bravery. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has released posters portraying Machchhar alongside Hindu deity Hanuman, drawing a parallel with the deity’s traditional association with courage and strength.
Machchhar also spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his hospital bed on Friday, recounting how he fought to regain control of the situation despite suffering multiple injuries during the attack.
Speaking to Modi, the captain said he initially found himself fighting for his own survival after sustaining several injuries and collapsing to the floor. He eventually realised that unless he acted quickly, the situation could turn into a major tragedy.
“I had so many injuries, but I told myself that I had to get up and act,” Machchhar recalled.
He said he then summoned the strength to get back on his feet and open the cockpit door, a decision that proved critical in preventing the situation from escalating further.
The incident has since brought widespread attention to the captain’s presence of mind and determination under extreme circumstances, with tributes pouring in from both sides of the India-UAE relationship.
