Mankind Pharma Announces ₹1 Crore Support for FlyDubai Captain Smit Machchhar After In-Flight Crisis

National News (06/10/2026): Mankind Pharma has announced financial assistance of ₹1 crore for FlyDubai Captain Smit Machchhar and his family, recognising his courage, composure and sense of responsibility during a serious in-flight emergency.

The company said the financial support is intended to honour Captain Smit’s actions at a critical moment when the safety of passengers and crew members was at risk. Mankind Pharma Vice Chairman and Managing Director Rajeev Juneja said the company wanted its appreciation to go beyond words by providing meaningful and tangible assistance to the captain and his family.

According to the company, Captain Smit demonstrated remarkable composure during the emergency and continued to prioritise the safety of those on board despite facing a serious threat himself. His actions have been highlighted as an example of courage, responsibility and putting the well-being of others ahead of personal safety.

Captain Smit Injured During Flight

Captain Smit Machchhar, who was born in Mumbai and serves as a captain with FlyDubai, was reportedly attacked by his co-pilot with a knife while the aircraft was travelling from the UAE towards Israel.

Despite sustaining serious injuries, Captain Smit managed to activate the cockpit door-release mechanism, allowing crew members and passengers to enter the cockpit and help overpower the attacker.

The aircraft was carrying 174 passengers at the time of the incident. Following the emergency, the flight was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Mankind Pharma Calls Support a Gesture of Recognition

Rajeev Juneja said the decision to provide ₹1 crore in financial assistance was taken to recognise Captain Smit’s conduct during the crisis and provide meaningful support to him and his family.

He said that in situations involving extraordinary courage and sacrifice, words of appreciation alone may not be enough. The company therefore wanted to express its gratitude through concrete assistance while acknowledging Captain Smit’s courage, humanity and commitment to the people entrusted to his care.

Mankind Pharma said the assistance reflects its broader efforts to recognise individuals who demonstrate exceptional courage, service and responsibility during challenging circumstances. The company added that Captain Smit’s actions during the incident had made a strong impression on its leadership, and the ₹1 crore assistance was being extended as a gesture of appreciation and support.

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