On Oct 1, Mumbai, news broke that Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar had thwarted a co‑pilot’s attempt to crash a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, saving more than 180 passengers. A childhood friend, Prateek Gandhi, who grew up in the same housing society, described Machchhar as calm and composed from a young age, noting he was “the most sorted out” child in the building.
The incident prompted praise from leaders. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the pilot a hero, saying he fought back despite being wounded and prevented a 9/11‑style disaster. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted, “Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO… India is proud of Captain Machchhar.”
Neighbors and acquaintances echoed the sentiment. One neighbor recalled the pilot’s actions protecting the lives of more than 180 people and said the family was deeply worried but proud. Residents helped the family leave for the airport, with a local resident, Akshay Doshi, driving them amid the tense situation. The community has been praying for the pilot’s recovery and for his family’s well‑being.
Machchhar, who completed an online management degree at Welingkar Institute in 2007‑08, received commendation from the school. Dr Pankaj Natu, director of WeSchool, called him a “true hero in the skies” and praised his courage, discipline and dedication.
