Who is Indian pilot Smit Machchhar? Flydubai Captain who helped save 174 lives
PTC Web Desk: Indian pilot Smit Machchhar has emerged in the spotlight after showing remarkable courage during a mid-air emergency on a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Machchhar was seriously injured after he was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot, who was accused of trying to crash the aircraft. Despite suffering severe injuries and losing a significant amount of blood, the Indian captain managed to open the cockpit door.
His action gave crew members and passengers a chance to enter the cockpit and restrain the alleged attacker. Other pilots who were travelling as passengers also stepped in to help stabilise the aircraft before it made an emergency landing.
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The incident has since brought widespread attention to Smit Machchhar, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly praising his courage.
PM Modi described Machchhar as a “hero”, saying the pilot showed courage and determination despite being seriously injured. Netanyahu also referred to him as a “true hero”.
Who is Smit Machchhar?
While his actions during the emergency have made headlines, Machchhar has spent years building a career in commercial aviation.
According to his LinkedIn profile, he joined flydubai in June 2022. Before that, he worked with SpiceJet for more than 11 years, including as a Commander.
Machchhar is from Mumbai. According to reports, his career in aviation was not necessarily the path he had initially planned.
Before moving into aviation, he studied Man-Made Textile Chemistry, Apparel and Textiles at the SASMIRA Institute of Man-Made Textiles. He later pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration at Welingkar Institute of Management.
Reports suggest that Machchhar had initially considered joining his family business. His interest in flying reportedly grew after he attended an aviation seminar when he was in his late teens.
‘As a pilot, I was simply doing my duty’
Machchhar has remained modest about his actions. In a post, he reportedly described what he did simply as part of his responsibility as a pilot.
His approach to flying was also reflected in a 2025 YouTube podcast, where he was asked whether he considered a smooth landing or an on-time arrival a bigger achievement.
His response was that safety mattered above everything else, saying pilots should not be focused on being on time at the expense of a safe flight.
Friends remember him as calm and composed
Machchhar's childhood friend Prateek Gandhi has described him as someone who was calm and composed even during his younger years.
Gandhi recalled growing up with Machchhar and playing cricket together. He described his childhood friend as one of the most level-headed people in their neighbourhood.
Today, Machchhar is being recognised internationally after his actions during the Flydubai emergency.
- PTC NEWS
