FIP Demands National Award for Capt Smit

Hours after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a video call with Captain Smit Machchhar, the Federation of Indian Pilots shot off a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office urging the government to consider the name of this brave pilot for a national bravery award for showing exemplary courage and dedication which saved the lives of about 182 people on board.

The representation said that Machchhar had successfully diverted the flight to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. The courage he demonstrated despite grave injury was a demonstration of valour and the highest order of professional conduct, Captain C S Randhawa, president of the federation, said.

FIP described the incident as an “extraordinarily dangerous situation” in the flight deck and said Machchhar’s actions should be considered for national recognition after verification by the competent authorities.

Machchhar was subsequently shifted to Abu Dhabi for continued medical treatment.

“The ability to remain sufficiently composed, exercise command and make critical decisions while injured and under threat demonstrates extraordinary courage, resilience, situational awareness, leadership and devotion to duty,” the federation added. Smit was a member of FIP till 2022.