New Delhi, October 1, 2026: Calls are growing for Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar to be considered for the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, after his extraordinary actions during the mid-air emergency aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 helped save more than 170 lives.
Social media users have called on the Government of India to recognise Captain Machchhar with the country’s highest peacetime gallantry honour. The demands gathered momentum after details emerged of how the Indian captain continued fighting to protect his aircraft and passengers despite suffering serious injuries during the cockpit confrontation.
There has, however, been no official announcement from the Government of India confirming that Captain Machchhar has been recommended, nominated or selected for the Ashoka Chakra as of October 1.
The Ashoka Chakra is awarded for “most conspicuous bravery” or an act of daring involving pre-eminent valour or self-sacrifice away from the face of the enemy. Importantly, the award is not restricted to members of the Armed Forces. Government guidelines specifically make civilian citizens from all walks of life eligible for the honour.
Captain Machchhar, therefore, is eligible for consideration as an Indian civilian, although any decision to confer the award would have to follow the government’s prescribed process.
Captain Machchhar was commanding Flydubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv when he was allegedly attacked and stabbed by his co-pilot inside the cockpit. Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar fought back and managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to help overpower the attacker. The aircraft subsequently made a safe emergency landing at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
There were 174 passengers aboard the Boeing 737, including 27 children. Captain Machchhar’s actions have subsequently drawn widespread praise in India and abroad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly praised the Indian pilot on Thursday, describing him as a “HERO” and saying that despite being seriously injured, he demonstrated immense courage and an unwavering determination to protect others.
The Prime Minister said Captain Machchhar’s valour had helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy, adding that India was proud of him and praying for his speedy recovery.
Recognition has already begun at the state level. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced on October 1 that Captain Machchhar will receive the Visisht Gujarat Garima Award for his extraordinary courage. Machchhar has family roots in Gujarat’s Rajkot district, although he grew up in Mumbai and currently lives in Dubai.
The Gujarat Chief Minister said the pilot had displayed extraordinary bravery while protecting the lives of 174 passengers despite being seriously injured. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also publicly praised Machchhar, describing him as Mumbai’s son and a hero.
Captain Machchhar’s actions have also prompted comparisons with Neerja Bhanot, the Pan Am flight attendant who sacrificed her life while protecting passengers during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi in September 1986. Bhanot was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra and became its youngest recipient at the time.
The comparison has further fuelled public demands for similar national recognition for Captain Machchhar.
For now, the calls for an Ashoka Chakra remain a public demand rather than an official government decision. But with the Prime Minister himself praising Captain Machchhar’s “immense courage” and “valour,” and the Gujarat government announcing a state honour, demands for national recognition are likely to remain in focus.
Captain Machchhar is receiving medical treatment following the incident. His actions aboard Flight FZ1073 have transformed the veteran Indian aviator into a widely recognised symbol of courage, presence of mind and commitment to the lives entrusted to his care.
