Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar’s family based in Mumbai, roots in Gujarat’s Wadhwan

Ahmedabad: Captain Smit Machchhar, a pilot with roots in Gujarat’s Wadhwan, is being praised for his role in averting a potentially catastrophic incident after an alleged cockpit attack on a Flydubai flight bound for Israel.

Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar managed to help open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to enter and overpower his Omani co-pilot, who had allegedly attacked him. The aircraft was later diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia and landed safely.

Machchhar’s actions have drawn praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other national and international leaders. The Gujarat government has also announced that Machchhar will be honoured with the Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award for his bravery.

ઈઝરાયલ જઈ રહેલ ફ્લાઈટના પાયલટ કેપ્ટન સ્મિત મચ્છરના સાહસને આજે આખી દુનિયા સલામ કરી રહી છે. હુમલાના કારણે લોહીલુહાણ હોવા છતા તેમણે અદમ્ય સાહસ દાખવીને 174 મુસાફરોના જીવ બચાવ્યા, એ વાત અત્યંત પ્રેરણાદાયી અને સરાહનીય છે.

મૂળ ગુજરાતના આ વીર સપૂતે પોતાના શૌર્યથી સમગ્ર વિશ્વમાં ગુજરાત…

— Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) October 1, 2026

The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard a Flydubai flight carrying 174 passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to Israeli officials, Machchhar was attacked and stabbed by his co-pilot, an Omani national. During the struggle, the aircraft rapidly lost altitude before the cockpit door was opened and passengers rushed in to restrain the attacker.

Two other Flydubai pilots who were travelling as passengers subsequently helped take control of the aircraft. The flight was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

The incident has been compared by some leaders and passengers to the potential scale of the September 11, 2001 attacks because of the possible consequences had the attacker gained control of the aircraft. Netanyahu described the incident as a situation that could have resulted in a “9/11” disaster.

Machchhar was seriously wounded in the attack and was taken to a hospital in Tabuk. His family said he is receiving treatment. A passenger who helped treat him said the pilot had suffered substantial blood loss.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on brave pilot Smit Machchar: pic.twitter.com/ggyVJzqOBC

— DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) October 1, 2026

Modi said he had spoken to Machchhar’s father Bhupendra, mother Geeta and wife Sonal and urged people to pray for the pilot’s recovery. He praised Machchhar for showing “courage, composure and presence of mind” during the incident.

Netanyahu also praised the Indian pilot, calling him a hero and crediting his actions with helping prevent a potential disaster.

Captain Smit Machchhar’s Gujarat connection

Machchhar is originally from Wadhwan in Surendranagar district, while his family is settled in Mumbai. His father-in-law, Jaysukhbhai Jogi, said the family was extremely worried after learning about the incident.

His brother-in-law, Hirenbhai Jogi, said the family was proud of Machchhar and that he was undergoing treatment.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said Machchhar’s courage had brought recognition to Gujarat and announced that the state government would honour him with the Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award.

Savarkundla MLA Mahesh Kaswala also praised Machchhar, describing him as the son-in-law of Savarkundla and commending his efforts to protect the passengers.

From textile engineering to the cockpit

Machchhar did not initially plan to become a pilot. Coming from a family associated with the textile business, he studied textile engineering with the intention of eventually contributing to the family business.

His career changed direction when he attended an aviation seminar at around the age of 19. The experience sparked his interest in flying, prompting him to pursue aviation.

He travelled to New Zealand for pilot training and later returned to India to begin his commercial aviation career. He spent more than 11 years with SpiceJet, eventually becoming a Senior Commander and Line Training Captain.

Machchhar joined Flydubai as a direct-entry captain in June 2022. According to Reuters, he has accumulated nearly 9,750 hours of flying experience on Boeing 737 and 737 MAX aircraft.

He has also worked as a mentor to aspiring pilots through his aviation training initiative, FlyBy Aviation.

In a 2025 podcast interview, Machchhar recalled that becoming a pilot was not a childhood ambition. He said his interest in aviation developed later after attending the seminar.

The incident aboard the Flydubai flight has now placed the Gujarat-origin pilot at the centre of international attention, with leaders and passengers praising his actions during a potentially catastrophic mid-air emergency. DeshGujarat