Milind Deora Urges Ashoka Chakra For Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar

Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar for the Ashoka Chakra, citing the pilot's actions during a serious cockpit incident on Flight FZ1073. Machchhar, who is from Mumbai, was seriously injured during an alleged assault by his co-pilot while the flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people on board. Deora made the request in a letter to the Prime Minister on October 2.

According to reports, the incident occurred while the aircraft was in flight and resulted in a rapid loss of altitude. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and intervene. Other pilots who were travelling on the aircraft subsequently helped take control of the situation, and the plane was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

In his letter, Deora described Machchhar's actions as an extraordinary display of courage and selflessness. He also pointed to the pilot's Mumbai connection, saying the incident had generated a sense of pride among people in the city. Deora asked the government to examine the case under the established criteria for the Ashoka Chakra, which is awarded for conspicuous bravery or an act of valour or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.

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The Ashoka Chakra is India's highest peacetime gallantry award and can be awarded to civilians as well as members of the armed forces and police forces. Deora's request is for the government to consider Machchhar's actions under these existing criteria. The recommendation does not itself amount to an award, and any decision on the honour rests with the competent authorities.

Machchhar is currently recovering from injuries sustained in the incident. Prime Minister Modi spoke with the pilot on October 2 and praised his courage and presence of mind during the crisis. Machchhar has more than a decade of commercial aviation experience and previously worked with SpiceJet before joining flydubai in 2022.

The incident remains under investigation, with authorities examining the circumstances surrounding the cockpit assault and the actions of those involved. Deora has asked the government to formally consider Machchhar's case for the Ashoka Chakra, arguing that recognition would acknowledge his conduct during the emergency and the role he played in helping the aircraft reach safety.

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