Smit Machchhar for Ashoka Chakra? Neerja Bhanot’s legacy returns after Flydubai pilot’s mid-air bravery

New Delhi: A demand is growing on social media for Flydubai Indian captain Smit Machchhar to be awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime military gallantry award, following his bravery during the mid-air cockpit emergency that put the lives of 174 people at risk. However, there has been no official announcement or confirmation that Machchhar will be awarded the Ashoka Chakra.

The Ashoka Chakra is awarded for exceptional bravery, daring or self-sacrifice in circumstances other than war and can be awarded to military personnel, police personnel and civilians.

The demand follows Machchhar’s actions during Flydubai Flight FZ1073, when he was injured in an alleged cockpit attack but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene. The aircraft, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia and landed safely.

Machchhar’s case has brought renewed attention to Neerja Bhanot, who remains a significant example of civilian bravery in Indian aviation history. Bhanot was serving as senior flight purser aboard Pan Am Flight 73 when four armed hijackers seized the aircraft at Karachi airport in September 1986.

During the hijacking, Bhanot helped passengers escape and reportedly used her position to assist people in getting out of the aircraft. She was killed from gunshot wounds inflicted by terrorists while she was shielding three children from the attackers and was awarded the Ashoka Chakra in 1987 after her death.

The Ashoka Chakra is distinct from India’s wartime gallantry awards and recognizes exceptional acts of bravery or self-sacrifice outside a battlefield. Its eligibility extends beyond the armed forces to include civilians and police personnel.

Machchhar has already received a formal recognition from the Gujarat government. Bhupendra Patel, chief minister of Gujarat, announced the Visisht Gujarat Garima Award for the captain along with a ₹25 lakh cash reward, recognizing his courage and humanity during the emergency.

Patel said Machchhar’s actions in helping save 174 people were deeply inspiring and described him as a valiant son of Gujarat. The award is yet to be formally presented as the captain continues to recover from his injuries.

As RNA Media earlier reported, Machchhar’s bravery has received praise from the president, Droupadi Murmu; prime minister, Narendra Modi; United States president, Donald Trump and Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Modi called the captain a “HERO”, while Netanyahu and Trump also praised his actions following the incident.

The Israeli president, Isaac Herzog, also praised Machchhar for using his remaining strength to open the cockpit door despite being injured. Herzog subsequently announced that five Israeli passengers would be recommended for the president’s medal for civilian bravery for their actions during the emergency.

How the captain helped save 174 lives?

Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was carrying 174 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv when an alleged confrontation broke out inside the cockpit. Machchhar was injured during the incident but continued to act to protect those aboard the aircraft.

The cockpit door was eventually opened, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and help restrain the attacker. Other pilots on board also assisted in stabilizing the aircraft before it was diverted to Tabuk, where it landed safely.

Machchhar underwent emergency treatment in Saudi Arabia before being shifted to the UAE for further medical care. As RNA Media earlier reported, Indian diplomatic officials have said that he is stable and recovering, while assistance is being coordinated for him and his family.