INDIAN AVIATION PILOTS
US House resolution honours Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for foiling flydubai cockpit attack
US Congressman Josh Gottheimer has introduced a House resolution honouring Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for helping prevent an alleged cockpit takeover aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073. The resolution also commends off-duty pilots, crew and passengers, condemns the incident as terrorism and calls for investigations by Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
"Captain Smit continues to make steady progress and is regaining his health": Indian Embassy in UAE
In a statement shared on X, the Indian Embassy in the UAE reassured the public regarding Captain Machchhar's health and confirmed that full support is being extended to him and his relatives.
Malaysia Airlines stopped using flight code MH370 after the plane disappeared with 239 people aboard - why airlines retire flight numbers after aviation tragedies
Malaysia Airlines MH370: Malaysia Airlines changed flight numbers MH370 and MH371 following the aircraft's disappearance in March 2014. The aircraft, carrying 239 people, vanished during its journey from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Extensive search operations were conducted in the Indian Ocean, but the main wreckage remains undiscovered.
Flydubai Flight FZ1073: Why was the copilot allowed to fly, how did the plane survive the 17,000ft plunge & other questions remain unaswered
On September 30, a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced a critical incident in the cockpit. Following a fight between pilots, the aircraft rapidly descended over 14,000 feet before stabilizing and diverting to Tabuk. Investigations are underway to determine the co-pilot's security history and possible motives for the attack. Passengers and crew intervened to help regain control of the aircraft during the emergency.
‘We had no idea if he would survive. We started crying a lot’: Smit Machchhar’s family recalls agonising wait on September 30
Captain Smit Machchhar became a hero after averting a disaster involving 174 people on a flight. His family faced a difficult journey as they rushed to his hospital bedside in Saudi Arabia. Smit was later airlifted to Abu Dhabi for treatment, where his condition is improving. While receiving numerous calls from world leaders, he maintained his composure despite the pain from deep wounds.
UAE had shared details about FlyDubai flight with Israel, including pilots' names and nationalities
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates provided Israel with a list of passengers from a FlyDubai flight. An Omani co-pilot attacked the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an investigation into aviation security measures following the incident. The co-pilot had previously been barred from flying by Oman due to extremist views.
- Go To Page 1
UAE had shared details about FlyDubai flight with Israel, including pilots' names and nationalities
During a FlyDubai flight, chaos erupted when an Omani co-pilot attempted a hijacking, prompting urgent discussions about the crew vetting process. Israeli officials revealed their frustration over insufficient prior warning of the attacker. Initial findings indicate possible security protocol failures that could have prevented the situation. As investigations unfold, unresolved concerns about aviation security practices and international cooperation linger, highlighting the critical need for enhanced measures.
Flydubai incident: Multiple countries probe co-pilot’s background after cockpit attack: Reports
Authorities are investigating Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami for an attempted hijacking of a flydubai flight. The incident occurred during flight FZ1073, resulting in severe injuries to Captain Smit Machchhar. Investigators from Australia and Israel are examining al-Hammami's ties and motives. He was previously banned from flying in Oman due to radical ideological concerns.
Flydubai incident: Dubai Crown Prince praises Indian pilot Smit Machchhar after mid-air cockpit attack
Upon experiencing a violent attack mid-flight, Captain Smit Machchhar showcased remarkable bravery to protect his crew. The incident occurred on the flydubai flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite sustaining serious injuries, the captain successfully unlocked the cockpit door, enabling assistance from crew members.
'I was very devastated': Capt Smit Machchhar’s wife recounts horrifying moments after flydubai cockpit attack
Captain Smit Machchhar’s wife Sonal recalled being “very devastated” and unable to process the news after her husband was attacked inside the cockpit of a flydubai flight. Machchhar later told PM Modi how he fought to regain control as the aircraft plunged 16,000 feet, while investigators probe the attack.
Look forward to bravery award for Smit Machchhar: Ex-IAF pilot who flew with him
Wing Commander Avinash Chikte reflects on his colleague Smit Machchhar's courage during a recent cockpit incident. After being stabbed by his co-pilot, Smit managed to maintain control of the aircraft. This unexpected attack highlights the rare and serious risks pilots can face in the cockpit. Chikte emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and teamwork among flight crews.
Smit Machchhar’s journey: From ‘why become a pilot?’ to ‘Captain, you are a hero’
Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot praised for helping save a flydubai flight after a violent cockpit attack, had never originally planned to enter aviation. A textile engineer who discovered flying at 19, Machchhar went on to become a Boeing pilot, train on the 737 Max and mentor aspiring aviators, describing the profession as a career in which constant learning and composure are essential.
Flydubai's Omani pilot who attacked Capt Machchhar used 'feet to destroy control', was indoctrinated Islamist
New footage and details have emerged regarding a FlyDubai co-pilot's failed attempt to crash a Tel Aviv-bound flight. Quick-thinking passengers and crew subdued the attacker, while Indian Captain Smit Machchhar fought back to unlock the cockpit. Machchhar is recovering well in a UAE hospital, hailed for preventing a major disaster.
India to mandate facial scans for airport staff, fast-track full-body scanners after Flydubai incident
India will make facial recognition mandatory for airline and airport employees and expedite full-body scanner deployment at eight major airports as part of tighter aviation security measures. BCAS said airport entry passes will be digitally controlled, while civil aviation officials said scanners have reached three airports and will soon be installed at five more.
Salute captain Smit Machchhar: Kharge
Captain Smit Machchhar is being hailed for his bravery in thwarting a potential disaster on a flydubai flight. The flight was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children, who were at risk. Mallikarjun Kharge commended Machchhar and the crew for their courage during the emergency situation. He extended wishes for a swift recovery to Captain Machchhar following the incident.
Smit Machchhar stabbed mid-air: Flydubai co-pilot accused of attack ‘prayed a lot’, refused to shake women’s hands; feared he could cause another 9/11
Smit Machchhar stabbed mid-air: The Flydubai Omani co-pilot who attacked Indian captain Smit Machchhar was an extremely religious persona and refused to shake hands with women, a colleague reportedly said. The accused staffer had very strange behaviour and he used to pray a lot. The pilot attacked Smit Machchhar but the brave pilot despite being injured saved the lives of hundreds of passengers on Flydubai flight FZ1073.
Flydubai stabbing incident: How a dentist, a plumber and off-duty pilots helped Captain Smit Machchhar bring plane under control
FlyDubai news: During a flydubai flight to Tel Aviv, Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot. He managed to open the cockpit door while injured, allowing passengers to assist. Passengers including a dentist and several off-duty pilots helped restrain the attacker and stabilize the aircraft. The plane eventually landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after losing significant altitude. Officials confirmed Machchhar was in stable condition and receiving medical attention.
Captain Smit Machchhar saved us from another 9/11: PM Modi hails injured Flydubai pilot, says 'entire world is proud of him'
Captain Smit Machchhar displayed incredible bravery after being attacked by his co-pilot aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073. Despite serious injuries, he managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing others to intervene. His actions prevented a potential tragedy and saved the lives of 174 passengers on board. Indian leaders and aviation officials praised Machchhar for his extraordinary courage during the incident.
PM Modi speaks to Captain Smit Machchhar's wife and parents, lauds his bravery
Captain Smit Machchhar was injured while preventing a potential disaster aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073. He managed to unlock the cockpit door despite the attack from his co-pilot. His actions enabled passengers and crew to intervene and safely land the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Indian officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praised Machchhar's bravery and commitment to safety. He is currently recovering from his injuries in a local hospital.
"Terrorist or whack job": Trump on flydubai co-pilot after mid-air attack; calls Indian Captain Smit Machchhar a hero
US President Donald Trump communicated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about an attack on flydubai flight FZ1073. During this incident, an Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, was stabbed by his co-pilot. The quick actions of passengers helped subdue the attacker, allowing for a safe landing in Saudi Arabia. Both the pilot and passengers received praise from diplomatic missions for their bravery during the situation.
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar airlifted to Abu Dhabi after Flydubai cockpit attack
Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed by his co-pilot during a mid-air cockpit attack, was airlifted to Abu Dhabi for further treatment, ANI reported. Machchhar was earlier hospitalised in Saudi Arabia after helping foil an alleged attempt to crash the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.
Spicejet CMD Ajay Singh hails Capt Smit Machhchar for effort in saving lives on flydubai flight
Captain Smit Machchhar demonstrated exceptional bravery during a hijacking attempt on a Flydubai flight. He thwarted his co-pilot's attack and opened the cockpit door, allowing others to assist. The incident involved 180 passengers whose lives were at risk due to the crisis. Ajay Singh, Chairman of SpiceJet, praised Machchhar's courage and competence in handling the dangerous situation.
Captain Smit Machchhar is ‘true hero’: Netanyahu hails pilot after flydubai mid-air attack
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recognized Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery during a cockpit attack on a flydubai flight. Machchhar was injured but managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing others to intervene. The incident occurred as the aircraft descended dangerously after being attacked by the co-pilot. Passengers and crew worked together to stabilize the aircraft and ensure a safe landing.
Midair miracles: Passengers hail Captain Smit Machchhar and Israeli heroes who thwarted attack on flydubai flight
An Indian flydubai pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, was seriously stabbed by his copilot in an attempted plane crash. Despite his injuries, he unlocked the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. The plane landed safely, and global leaders hailed the captain as a hero.
Bloodshed at 34,000 feet: Indian pilot braves stabbing to help Dubai flight land safely
An Indian pilot helped thwart an alleged hijacking attempt aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv after the co-pilot reportedly attacked him in the cockpit. The Boeing 737 MAX 8, carrying around 174 passengers, diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely after passengers and other pilots intervened.
Flydubai FZ1073 plane hijack scare: Who are the pilots? Here's what we know
Chaos erupted on a Flydubai flight headed from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the cockpit witnessed an intense clash between pilots just after departure. Emergency signals were sent, prompting a swift military response from Israel. Reports reveal that one pilot stabbed the other, forcing an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Fortunately, passengers and crew intervened, securing the injured pilot until landing. Investigations are currently exploring the incident further.
ALPA India seeks tax relief for pilots in FY28 Budget
ALPA India has called for tax relief measures to address the ongoing attrition of Indian pilots. The organization argues that the current tax policies disproportionately affect pilots compared to those in zero-income-tax countries. Suggested measures include increased exemption caps and specialized deductions for pilots' expenses. The pilots' body emphasizes the urgent need for these changes to maintain India's aviation workforce.
AI171 crash probe: Pilots' grouping FIP seeks formal consideration of its tech submissions before final report
Federation of Indian Pilots has requested the civil aviation ministry for formal consideration of its technical submissions. This request pertains to the ongoing investigation into the AI 171 plane crash that occurred in June 2025. The investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is nearing completion but awaits formal reviews. The submission calls for the Federation’s involvement as an independent technical participant in the draft report.
Load More
