India Reviews Aviation Security Measures Following Mid-Air Attack on Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar
India is examining aviation security protocols following the mid-air attack on Indian Captain Smit Machchhar by an Omani co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight. Civil Aviation Secretary Sameer Sinha confirmed the security review, which may reassess psychometric tests, Sky Marshal deployment, and the preparedness of BCAS, DGCA, CISF, and NSG.
India is examining the Flydubai incident from a security perspective, with aviation security measures likely to undergo a comprehensive review following the alleged mid-air attack on Indian pilot Smit Machchhar by his Omani co-pilot. Civil Aviation Secretary Sameer Sinha said the government was examining the developments arising from the incident and assessing the matter from a security perspective.
“India is examining the matter. The security perspective is being looked into," Sinha said during a briefing. He added that the Ministry of Civil Aviation was working on the developments arising from the Flydubai incident. “If any advisory is needed, the higher authority will be apprised about it," the Civil Aviation Secretary said. The announcement follows initial reports by CNN-News18. Who Is Smit Machchhar? Indian Pilot Fights Off Cockpit Attack, Saves Flydubai Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight FZ1073 From Crashing.
Aviation Security Measures Under Review
According to official sources, aviation security in India is likely to undergo an intensive review in the wake of the incident, in which the co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot-in-command while the aircraft was in flight.
The review could include existing standard operating procedures related to aviation security, including psychometric assessments conducted by airlines and the deployment of Sky Marshals on sensitive routes, sources said. Officials are expected to examine whether any changes or additional safeguards are required to prevent similar incidents involving threats from within the cockpit.
The roles and preparedness of various agencies involved in aviation security could also be examined as part of the exercise. These include airlines as well as security agencies such as the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and National Security Guard (NSG), which has specialised capabilities for responding to hijack situations.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) could also review existing protocols within their respective domains. The agencies will assess whether internal cockpit vetting, operational check rides, and psychological evaluations need restructuring across domestic and international operators flying in Indian airspace.
The development comes after the Flydubai incident triggered a security scare on Wednesday, after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot-in-command, leaving him critically injured while the aircraft was airborne. The Omani co-pilot allegedly attempted to crash the Tel Aviv-bound flight, carrying over 170 passengers. The incident has prompted authorities to examine whether existing aviation security protocols adequately address the possibility of an attack involving a member of the cockpit crew.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2026 08:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
