The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to confer an appropriate National Bravery Award on Capt. Smit, the Pilot-in-Command of Flydubai Flight FZ1073, for his alleged exceptional courage in handling a serious in-flight emergency that reportedly put 182 lives at risk.
In a formal representation dated October 2, 2026, and addressed to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in New Delhi, the pilots’ association praised Capt. Smit for maintaining control of the aircraft despite sustaining serious injuries during an alleged attack by the aircraft’s First Officer.
The incident reportedly occurred on September 30, 2026, while Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to the Federation, the First Officer allegedly attacked the captain with a crash axe inside the flight deck, creating an unprecedented emergency during the flight.
Despite being seriously injured, Capt. Smit reportedly continued performing his duties as Pilot-in-Command and managed to divert the aircraft safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The aircraft was carrying 174 passengers and eight crew members, bringing the total number of people on board to 182.
FIP praises captain’s courage under extreme circumstances
In its letter to Prime Minister Modi, the Federation of Indian Pilots described the captain’s actions as an extraordinary demonstration of courage, leadership and professional responsibility.
“Despite being badly injured and confronted with an extraordinarily dangerous situation within the flight deck, Capt. Smit continued to discharge his responsibilities as Pilot-in-Command,” the representation stated.
The association said the captain maintained control of the aircraft, exercised sound judgement under extreme circumstances and successfully diverted the flight to an alternate airport.
FIP highlighted that an attack on a pilot inside the cockpit presents a challenge fundamentally different from conventional aviation emergencies, including technical failures, adverse weather conditions and medical emergencies.
“An attack upon the Pilot-in-Command within the flight deck presents an entirely different and exceptionally grave challenge,” the organisation said.
It added that the captain’s ability to remain composed, make critical decisions and prioritise passenger safety despite his injuries demonstrated extraordinary resilience and situational awareness.
182 lives at the centre of award recommendation
The Federation said the significance of the incident should be assessed against the responsibility entrusted to the captain and the vulnerability of passengers and crew during an emergency of this nature.
According to FIP, the 174 passengers and eight crew members had no control over the circumstances unfolding inside the cockpit, leaving their safety dependent on the flight crew’s ability to retain control of the aircraft.
The association described the successful diversion to Tabuk as an exceptional act of professional courage.
“The highest meaning of the responsibility accepted by a Pilot-in-Command” is to place the safety of passengers and crew above personal safety when confronted with an extreme emergency, the representation stated.
FIP argued that Capt. Smit’s actions deserve recognition at the national level, urging the Prime Minister to consider him for an appropriate bravery award.
The Federation also highlighted the captain’s association with the Indian aviation fraternity, noting that Capt. Smit was a member of FIP until 2022.
Although he is no longer a member, the organisation said it continues to regard him as part of the wider fraternity of professional pilots.
The representation said the Federation was submitting the recommendation with particular pride because of his previous association with the organisation.
National recognition sought for aviation heroism
FIP’s appeal places renewed attention on the demanding responsibilities of commercial airline pilots, particularly their role in protecting passengers and crew during life-threatening emergencies.
The Federation has asked the Prime Minister to recognise Capt. Smit’s reported actions through an appropriate National Bravery Award, citing his courage, leadership and commitment to passenger safety.
The representation was dated October 2, 2026, and submitted under reference number FIP/PMO/2026-21.
The account and award recommendation are based on the Federation of Indian Pilots’ representation to the Prime Minister. Independent confirmation of the incident details and any official decision on the award were not included in the statement.
