Captain Smit Machchhar: The Pilot Who Fought to Save 174 Lives

• by Shimanta Das
• October 4, 2026

Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national flying for Dubai-based low-cost carrier flydubai, is being hailed as a hero after he fought off his co-pilot who allegedly attempted to sabotage the aircraft’s systems mid-flight. The incident occurred on a flight carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children. Despite suffering severe injuries and losing a significant amount of blood, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, preventing what could have been a major aviation disaster.

Machchhar’s extensive experience proved crucial in the high-pressure situation. He has worked for flydubai for four years, according to his LinkedIn profile, and before that spent a decade with Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet. His background also includes a stint at Mainland Air in Dunedin, New Zealand, where he spent around 18 months between 2008 and 2009. Kean, CEO of Mainland Air, remembered him fondly: “He definitely got a smile of his own… he’s sort of a happy, happy chap.” This depth of experience meant Machchhar was not a relatively new pilot facing an unfamiliar emergency; he had the skills and presence of mind to act decisively.

Despite his heroism, Machchhar has remained remarkably modest. “As a pilot, I was simply doing my duty,” he said. His actions, however, went far beyond routine duty. The circumstances surrounding the attack, including the co-pilot’s motive, remain under investigation. What is clear is that Captain Machchhar’s courage and quick thinking saved 174 lives, earning him admiration and gratitude from passengers, colleagues, and the aviation community worldwide.