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U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) announced plans to enter a statement into the Congressional Record on October 9 honoring Captain Smit Machchhar for his actions during an attack aboard Flydubai Flight 1073 on September 30, 2026.
According to Krishnamoorthi’s statement, Machchhar helped save 172 passengers and his fellow crew members after the flight’s first officer attacked him and attempted to seize control of the aircraft during its journey from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Four U.S. citizens and 27 children were among the passengers.
Machchhar, an Indian pilot, has 17 years of flying experience, including 11 as a captain.
The statement said the first officer attacked Machchhar with the aircraft’s emergency crash axe midway through the flight. The aircraft then plunged approximately 16,000 feet in about 30 seconds.
Despite serious injuries, Machchhar reached the cockpit door and opened it, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the attacker. Two reserve Flydubai pilots traveling aboard the aircraft subsequently took control and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, according to the statement.
“Even as Captain Machchhar fought for his own life, he understood that the lives of everyone aboard depended on what he did next,” Krishnamoorthi said in the statement. “Despite his injuries, his years of experience told him that the aircraft was going down, and he found the strength to reach that door.”
Krishnamoorthi credited Machchhar’s experience and determination with giving those aboard an opportunity to intervene.
“His presence of mind, determination, and courage gave the passengers and crew the chance they needed to stop the attack and avert a catastrophe,” he said.
The congressman also highlighted the impact of Machchhar’s actions on the families of the passengers and crew.
“Behind every person aboard Flight 1073 is a family that was spared an unimaginable loss. Because Captain Machchhar refused to give up, the passengers and crew aboard that aircraft had the chance to return to the people who love them,” he said.
Krishnamoorthi urged his congressional colleagues to join him in honoring Machchhar and extended his best wishes to the captain, his wife, Sonal, their two children, and their family as he recovers from his injuries.
