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Jitendra Vaidya, president of the Indian People’s Forum (IPF) UAE, said Machchhar’s decision was driven not just by his training and knowledge, but also by his values
Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his Omani co-pilot in the cockpit of the Dubai-Tel Aviv Flydubai flight on Wednesday. (Reuters photo)
Captain Smit Machchhar, who has been hailed for his courage after the Flydubai emergency, was honoured by members of the Indian diaspora at an event commemorating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years in public life.
As tributes were paid to the pilot, who continues to recover at a military facility in Dubai, speakers recalled the split-second decision that helped save more than 170 passengers and crew members.
Jitendra Vaidya, president of the Indian People’s Forum (IPF) UAE, said Machchhar’s decision was driven not just by his training and knowledge, but also by his values. “The decision taken in a fraction of a second was not just because of his knowledge but values and ‘sanskar’. Today, the entire world is talking about the decision taken in a fraction of a second by the brave Captain,” Vaidya said.
The tribute ended with the packed auditorium rising in a standing ovation for Machchhar, as members of the Indian diaspora expressed their pride and gratitude towards the pilot.
There was also hope that Machchhar would be able to attend a future gathering in person once he has recovered. “We wish to felicitate him in person. He has made the Indian community proud,” Sudha, an Indian lawyer based in Dubai, said.
Meanwhile, a multi-country investigation continues into the actions and background of Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, who attacked Machchhar with an axe, leaving him seriously injured.
Local media reports have claimed that Morocco is also looking into the incident amid emerging information that al-Hammami had a brief stint with Royal Air Maroc, Morocco’s national carrier.
Official records show al-Hammami was born in the United Arab Emirates and is of mixed heritage, with a mother of Syrian origin. Sources close to the investigation state that he spent a significant portion of his life outside of Oman. This extended period abroad occurred during his father’s employment in the UAE, while staying with his mother in war-torn Syria, and during his subsequent university studies in Australia.
What Happened In Flydubai Flight?
The plot came to light after the co-pilot attacked the captain aboard the Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. The passengers were later taken to safety after the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, managed to regain access to the cockpit despite suffering injuries during the assault. He said he realised the aircraft was descending rapidly and forced himself to reach the cockpit door.
Passengers also intervened after the aircraft plunged sharply, losing around 17,000 feet in about a minute, according to Flightradar24.
Flydubai has suspended flights between the UAE and Israel following the incident.
Quick Answers
Ask News18The co-pilot attacked captain Smit Machchhar with an axe inside the cockpit at 34,000 feet, causing the aircraft to plunge sharply. Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door so passengers and off-duty pilots could intervene, and the flight was safely diverted to Saudi Arabia.
Ask News18About the Author
Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from gr…Read More
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
October 08, 2026, 1:24 PM IST
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