Months before the recent Flydubai flight incident, Captain Smit Machchhar spoke about emergency procedures, crew coordination, and the importance of staying prepared in an interview.
Machchhar appeared on Bona-Fide Banter, hosted by Zalak Mehta. The interview has drawn renewed attention after reports said he was injured during an incident in the cockpit of Flydubai flight FZ1073, which made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
“When Things Are Going Wrong, You Need Them”
Machchhar praised cabin crew members for their safety training, including emergency procedures and first aid.
“When things are going wrong, you need them,” he said, speaking about the cabin crew’s role during emergencies.
His comments have resonated following reports that crew members and passengers helped respond to the incident. The precise sequence of events remains under investigation.
Described a Difficult Windshear Approach
Machchhar also recalled a challenging approach in Greece, where strong winds and windshear made landing demanding. He explained that pilots practise procedures for such situations in a simulator.
“You’ve practised this maneuver. This is a time to execute it properly,” he said, describing the importance of training when conditions become difficult.
He added that the approach required intense focus and said there was “no margin for error.” The incident he described took place on a separate flight and was unrelated to the recent Flydubai event.
Recalled a Medical Emergency Onboard
In another part of the interview, Machchhar recounted how he and his first officer prepared to divert after a passenger went into premature labour. Cabin crew assisted the woman, and paramedics were arranged to meet the aircraft after landing. He said both mother and baby were fine.
“A Safe Landing” Comes First
Asked whether he preferred a smooth landing or an on-time arrival, Machchhar answered: “A safe landing where I’m supposed to land.”
That remark, like his comments about training and teamwork, has taken on new significance since the flight incident. The interview was recorded earlier and does not explain what happened aboard FZ1073.
About Captain Smit Machchhar and the Recent Flight Incident
Captain Smit Machchhar is an Indian commercial pilot who has flown Boeing 737 aircraft and previously worked for SpiceJet before joining flydubai. On September 30, 2026, flydubai flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when an incident occurred in the cockpit.
The aircraft diverted and landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. News reports identified Machchhar as the captain who was injured. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised his actions, saying he helped open the cockpit door so crew and passengers could intervene. Flydubai has said the circumstances are under investigation, and the full sequence of events has not yet been established.
