Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian commercial pilot with more than a decade of aviation experience, has drawn international attention after an incident aboard a Flydubai flight in which he was seriously injured while attempting to regain control of the aircraft.
Machchhar was the captain of Flydubai flight FZ1073 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when an in-flight confrontation involving his co-pilot unfolded inside the cockpit. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Captain Smit Machchhar’s aviation career
Machchhar is an Indian pilot of Gujarati origin who joined Flydubai in June 2022 as a direct-entry captain, according to reports. Before joining the Dubai-based airline, he spent nearly 11 years with SpiceJet, where he worked from 2011 to 2022.
Reports identify him as a Boeing 737 specialist with experience in aviation safety and compliance. He also holds a Business Administration degree from Welingkar Institute of Management.
Before beginning his professional flying career, Machchhar underwent flight training in New Zealand. His former flight school, Mainland Air in Dunedin, has described him as a standout student who successfully completed his examinations and flight tests.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praises Machchhar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly praised Captain Machchhar for his actions during the emergency.
In a statement released through the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi said Machchhar demonstrated courage and determination to protect the lives of others despite being seriously injured. The Prime Minister also expressed his wishes for the pilot’s speedy recovery.
A pilot remembered by his former flight school
Machchhar’s former flight school in New Zealand has also spoken about his training.
Philip Kean, chief executive of Mainland Air, recalled Machchhar’s 18-month training period beginning in 2008 and described him as a leading student in his batch. The school said he completed his examinations and flight tests before returning to India.