Captain Smit Machchhar, the FlyDubai pilot who faced a terrifying cockpit attack (Img: X)
New Delhi: Before Captain Smit Machchhar became known around the world for his actions during a terrifying FlyDubai cockpit attack, colleagues and friends knew him for something much simpler his calm nature, humility and willingness to help.
That composure was tested at altitude when FlyDubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was hit by a violent cockpit incident. Machchhar was seriously injured but managed to respond during the crisis, helping passengers and crew intervene before the aircraft eventually made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Long before the incident, Machchhar had built a reputation for being approachable and respectful.
Friends from his flying-school days describe him as a cheerful, down-to-earth person who was often the first choice when classmates needed help with aviation subjects. His professional attitude also extended beyond the cockpit, with colleagues recalling how he treated ground staff, engineers, loaders and catering workers with the same respect as fellow pilots.
Machchhar trained for his commercial pilot licence in New Zealand, where his instructors remembered him as one of the standout students in his batch. He later built his career in India and spent years with SpiceJet before joining FlyDubai.
Over time, he progressed to become a Boeing 737 captain and line trainer, roles that demanded technical knowledge, discipline and the ability to make decisions under pressure.
The qualities colleagues had seen over the years became crucial during the FlyDubai emergency.
After being attacked inside the cockpit, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to enter and restrain the attacker. Two off-duty FlyDubai pilots travelling as passengers subsequently assisted with the aircraft before it landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar is now recovering in Abu Dhabi. His response has drawn praise from political leaders and aviation circles, but those who knew him say the composure displayed during the crisis was consistent with the person they had known for years.
The FlyDubai incident has brought global attention to Machchhar, but his story extends beyond one dramatic flight.
From a young aviation student in New Zealand to an experienced commercial pilot and trainer, his journey has been shaped by years of learning and professional discipline.
For the people who knew him before the headlines, the most remarkable part may not be that Machchhar stayed calm during an extraordinary emergency — but that calmness was already part of who he was.
