‘Extraordinary courage’: US lawmaker introduces House resolution honouring pilot Smit Machchhar

Washington: US Congressman Josh Gottheimer has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives honouring Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for his “extraordinary courage” in protecting passengers aboard flydubai Flight 1073 during an alleged attempt to bring down the Israel-bound aircraft.

Gottheimer, a Democratic Congressman from New Jersey, also commended the actions of the off-duty pilots, cabin crew and passengers who secured the cockpit and helped bring the aircraft safely down.

The resolution, introduced on Monday, condemns the attack on flydubai Flight FZ1073 as an act of terrorism and as an attack on the safety of international civil aviation.

US resolution seeks full investigation

The resolution calls for a full and expeditious investigation by the governments of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates into the incident.

It also calls for the United States and Israel to be kept fully informed of the investigation.

The US congressional move comes as Machchhar continues to recover from serious injuries sustained during the cockpit attack.

Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot while the aircraft was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.

The co-pilot, identified in reports as Omani citizen Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked Machchhar with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the flight. The motive for the attack remains unclear.

The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers, transmitted emergency signals and made a rapid descent of more than 17,000 feet, from 34,000 feet.

Despite being seriously injured and lying on the cockpit floor, Machchhar realised that the aircraft was descending and managed to open the cockpit door. This enabled passengers and others to enter the cockpit and overpower the attacker.

Two reserve pilots then landed the aircraft safely at Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Al-Hammami was taken into custody, while Machchhar was taken to a nearby hospital and later airlifted to Abu Dhabi.
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Indian Embassy gives health update

The Indian Embassy in the UAE said on Tuesday that Machchhar was making steady progress in his recovery.

The embassy said it remained in close touch with Machchhar’s family, doctors and local authorities, and was extending all possible assistance.

It also thanked people in India and the UAE for their support and prayers.

Captain Machchhar receives international praise

Machchhar’s actions have drawn praise from political leaders and public figures in India, the UAE and Israel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Machchhar through a video call and praised his courage, presence of mind and composure during the incident.

UAE Deputy Prime Minister Hamdan bin Mohammed also met the pilot in hospital and praised his actions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a video conference with Machchhar while he was recovering and described him as a hero of Israel, India and the world.

The Israeli government later invited Machchhar and his family to attend Israel’s Independence Day celebrations in May 2027.

The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi also held special prayers and an abhishek ceremony in his honour.
Also read | ‘I had that one last fight left in me’: Wounded hero pilot Captain Machchhar recounts high-altitude terror

Focus on aviation safety

The US House resolution specifically frames the attack as an assault on the safety of international civil aviation and calls for the circumstances surrounding the incident to be investigated.

For Machchhar, the US recognition comes alongside continuing recovery from the injuries he suffered while helping prevent the flight from being brought down.