US Congress to Honour Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar for Bravery During Flydubai Flight Attack

The US Congress will honour Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar in the Congressional Record of the House of Representatives for his bravery during an alleged cockpit attack aboard a Flydubai flight on September 30. Machchhar’s actions helped passengers and crew members overpower an attacker and avert a potential disaster.

Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi announced that he would enter a statement recognising the captain’s courage into the Congressional Record on Friday. The incident occurred aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the first officer allegedly attacked Machchhar and attempted to seize control of the aircraft. Heroic Indian Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar Recovering Well After Foiling Mid-Air Attack, Says Indian Embassy in UAE.

US Congress Recognises Captain Smit Machchhar’s Bravery

Krishnamoorthi, a Democratic representative from Illinois, said Machchhar’s determination and quick thinking gave passengers and crew members an opportunity to intervene during the emergency.

According to the congressman’s statement, the aircraft plunged approximately 16,000 feet in around 30 seconds during the incident. Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to reach and open the cockpit door, allowing others to enter and overpower the attacker. Two reserve Flydubai pilots who were travelling aboard the aircraft subsequently took control and landed the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Flydubai Flight FZ1073 Cockpit Attack

The September 30 incident involved a flight carrying 172 passengers, including 27 children and four American citizens, according to Krishnamoorthi’s statement. EaseMyTrip Honours Captain Smit Machchhar’s Courage with Five Years of Complimentary Domestic Air Travel for His Family.

The first officer allegedly attacked the Indian captain with an axe before attempting to take control of the aircraft. The resulting emergency prompted the intervention of passengers, cabin crew and the reserve pilots on board.

The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, where it landed safely. The incident is being treated as a serious security matter, with the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack drawing international attention.

Indian Pilot Has 17 Years of Flying Experience

Machchhar has 17 years of flying experience, including 11 years as a captain. His response during the emergency has drawn praise from political leaders and officials in India and abroad.

US lawmakers have also moved to recognise his actions through a separate House resolution introduced earlier in October. The bipartisan measure, led by Congressman Josh Gottheimer and co-sponsored by Republicans Michael McCaul and Don Bacon, seeks to honour Machchhar as well as the crew and passengers who helped prevent the situation from escalating.

The resolution was referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The Congressional Record recognition announced by Krishnamoorthi is a separate step acknowledging the captain’s actions.

What Is the US Congressional Record?

The Congressional Record is the official record of proceedings and debates in the US Congress. Lawmakers can enter statements into it to recognise individuals, organisations and significant events.

Krishnamoorthi has urged other lawmakers to acknowledge Machchhar’s courage and expressed hopes for the captain’s full recovery. The recognition highlights the role played by the Indian pilot, reserve pilots, cabin crew and passengers in bringing the emergency to a safe conclusion.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 09, 2026 07:58 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).