Mumbai: The Federation of Indian Pilots has asked the Prime Minister’s Office to consider Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar for an appropriate national bravery award following the September 30 mid-air emergency involving Flight FZ1073.

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has requested the Prime Minister’s Office to consider Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of Flydubai Flight FZ1073, for an appropriate National Bravery Award or other national civilian recognition.

In its representation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, October 2, FIP President Captain CS Randhawa said Machchhar demonstrated courage and professional conduct during an emergency after he was seriously injured in an altercation with the flight’s first officer.

The Dubai-Tel Aviv flight was carrying 174 passengers and eight crew members when the incident occurred on September 30. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing.

What happened inside the cockpit?

According to the account cited by FIP and reports on the incident, Machchhar was injured during the confrontation and nevertheless continued carrying out his responsibilities as Pilot-in-Command.

FIP said the captain’s actions were particularly significant because he remained responsible for the aircraft while the situation was unfolding in the cockpit.

The federation said Machchhar was reportedly attacked with a crash axe and sustained serious injuries. During the emergency, the aircraft experienced a sharp descent before control was regained.

Machchhar later described to Prime Minister Modi how, despite being injured and on the cockpit floor, he realised that the aircraft was descending and managed to open the cockpit door. This enabled passengers and other crew members to enter the cockpit and intervene.

The aircraft was then diverted to Tabuk and landed safely. Machchhar was later shifted to Abu Dhabi for continued medical treatment.

Why has FIP sought an award?

FIP said Machchhar’s conduct demonstrated qualities including courage, resilience, situational awareness, leadership and devotion to duty.

“Captain Smit’s actions under circumstances of extreme personal danger contributed to bringing the aircraft safely to an alternate airport,” the federation said in its representation.

FIP has asked the PMO to examine the circumstances of the incident, obtain relevant operational and medical records and consider Machchhar for the highest appropriate form of recognition under applicable government provisions.

The federation also stressed that any recognition should follow verification of the facts by the competent authorities.

What did Prime Minister Modi say?

The request follows public praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Machchhar’s conduct during the incident. Modi said the pilot’s valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy.

On Friday, Modi also spoke to Machchhar while he was receiving treatment in hospital. During the conversation, the pilot recounted how he managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries after noticing that the aircraft was descending.

FIP’s representation is a request for consideration, not an announcement that Machchhar has been selected for a national award.

The proposed recognition would be subject to the applicable government process and verification of the circumstances surrounding the incident. FIP has specifically asked the PMO to review operational and medical records before considering the appropriate form of recognition.

The incident has also prompted scrutiny of cockpit security and the circumstances surrounding the confrontation aboard Flight FZ1073. Investigations into the incident are expected to establish the sequence of events and the responsibilities of those involved.