News for 'pilot bravery'

Israel to honour Captain Smit Machchhar with top civilian bravery award

Israel to honour Captain Smit Machchhar with top civilian bravery award

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Indian Captain Smit Machchhar will receive Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his bravery in fighting off an attack from his co-pilot on a flydubai flight, preventing a potential catastrophe. President Isaac Herzog announced the honour, which will be presented once Machchhar recovers.

India Unites In Prayer For Hero Pilot Smit Machchhar

India Unites In Prayer For Hero Pilot Smit Machchhar

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

BJP leaders and devotees across India are performing pujas and havans for the speedy recovery of Captain Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed while thwarting an alleged attempt to crash a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. Temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Kedarnath, and Somnath are holding special rituals, honouring his courage in saving 174 lives.

Gujarat to honour flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar for heroic act

Gujarat to honour flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar for heroic act

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

The Gujarat government announced that Indian pilot Smit Machchhar will be awarded the 'Visisht Gujarat Garima Award' for his extraordinary bravery. Machchhar thwarted his co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash a Flydubai flight, saving 174 lives despite being stabbed. He is currently receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia, and special prayers for his recovery have been organised at the Somnath temple.

Flydubai pilot tried to crash plane after stabbing co-pilot: Netanyahu

Flydubai pilot tried to crash plane after stabbing co-pilot: Netanyahu

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that evidence suggests a flydubai pilot attempted to crash a Tel Aviv-bound flight, but was stopped by an Israeli passenger and a crew member.

Israel bans Pakistani pilots, crew after flydubai incident

Israel bans Pakistani pilots, crew after flydubai incident

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Israel has implemented new aviation security directives, barring pilots and cabin crew from countries without diplomatic ties, including Pakistan, from entering its airspace. This follows a hijacking attempt last month on a flight to Israel, where Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was injured while thwarting the plot. The restrictions affect over two dozen nationalities and have prompted airlines like Air France and United Airlines to adjust crew assignments.

'Can't die like this': Capt Smit Machchhar recalls flydubai cockpit horror

'Can't die like this': Capt Smit Machchhar recalls flydubai cockpit horror

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar bravely recounts his terrifying mid-air ordeal aboard a flydubai flight last month, detailing how his quick thinking and survival instinct thwarted a co-pilot's planned suicide attack and saved over 170 lives.

'I was fighting for my life, but wouldn't let others die': Capt Machchhar tells Modi

'I was fighting for my life, but wouldn't let others die': Capt Machchhar tells Modi

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Captain Smit Machchaar for his exceptional bravery in foiling an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash an Israel-bound flydubai flight. Modi spoke to Machchaar and his family, expressing pride in his heroic actions that saved hundreds of lives. The incident involved a sharp descent and diversion of the flight, with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu also acknowledging Machchaar's courage.

Hero Indian pilot on Flydubai prevents crash, saves 174 passengers

Hero Indian pilot on Flydubai prevents crash, saves 174 passengers

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

An Indian captain and Israeli passengers on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv heroically fought off a co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft, forcing an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

'True hero who prevented a disaster': Israel heaps praise on Capt Machchhar

'True hero who prevented a disaster': Israel heaps praise on Capt Machchhar

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has been hailed as a hero by Israeli leaders for his extraordinary bravery in thwarting an alleged mid-air attack by his co-pilot on a flydubai flight. Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker and prevent a catastrophic disaster. The flight, carrying 174 passengers, safely landed in Saudi Arabia, and Machchhar is recovering.

Capt Machchhar stable, being treated at Saudi hospital

Capt Machchhar stable, being treated at Saudi hospital

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is hailed as a 'real hero' by a senior Israeli official for his bravery during a mid-air 'terror act' on a Flydubai flight, preventing a 'bigger tragedy' after being attacked by his co-pilot with a knife.

'We closely follow health condition of Captain Smit Machchhar': MEA

'We closely follow health condition of Captain Smit Machchhar': MEA

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

India is closely monitoring the health of Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot who bravely saved a flydubai flight despite being stabbed by his co-pilot. Machchhar, initially treated in Saudi Arabia, has been moved to Abu Dhabi for further medical care, with Indian diplomatic missions providing full support.

'Capt Machchhar in good health and recovering well': Indian envoy to UAE

'Capt Machchhar in good health and recovering well': Indian envoy to UAE

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is being hailed as a hero after he thwarted an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash a flydubai flight carrying nearly 180 people. Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, Machchhar fought back, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. Indian envoys met his family in Dubai, assuring full government support, while the co-pilot has been arrested in Saudi Arabia.

Flydubai cockpit stabbing a 'dangerous terror act': UAE official

Flydubai cockpit stabbing a 'dangerous terror act': UAE official

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

In a major disclosure, Anwar Gargash, an adviser to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, has officially termed the cockpit attack aboard a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight a "dangerous terrorist act," marking the first time a top Emirati official has formally classified the attempted crash in such terms.

Modi, Netanyahu hail Capt Machchhar for averting Flydubai crash

Modi, Netanyahu hail Capt Machchhar for averting Flydubai crash

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have lauded Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as a hero for thwarting an alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight, saving 174 lives. Machchhar, despite being seriously injured, resisted the attacker and helped prevent a catastrophic mid-air disaster.

I had that one last fight left in me: Captain Smit Machchhar

I had that one last fight left in me: Captain Smit Machchhar

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar is being hailed as a hero for preventing his co-pilot from crashing an Israel-bound flydubai flight. Machchhar recounted his struggle in the cockpit, where he was attacked by the co-pilot and fought to open the cockpit door from the inside, allowing others to intervene and regain control of the aircraft.

Plumber who never flew a plane steadied flydubai jet: Trump

Plumber who never flew a plane steadied flydubai jet: Trump

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

US President Donald Trump recounted an unconfirmed story about a flydubai flight where an Indian pilot, Smit Machchhar, fought off a knife attack from a co-pilot attempting to crash the aircraft. Trump also detailed a dramatic intervention by an Israeli plumber-passenger who helped subdue the co-pilot, learning flying basics from a TV show. Trump stressed that he was merely relaying an account from Israeli PM Netanyahu, not independently confirmed facts.

Flydubai incident: What happened inside the cockpit

Flydubai incident: What happened inside the cockpit

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

An Indian captain on a Flydubai flight heroically prevented a co-pilot from crashing the plane en route to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot, allegedly radicalized, attacked Captain Smit Machchhar, who managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and off-duty aviators to subdue the assailant and make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Investigations are ongoing, with Israeli and UAE authorities involved.

He was always most 'sorted out': Capt Machchhar's friend

He was always most 'sorted out': Capt Machchhar's friend

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, is being hailed as a hero for his quick thinking and bravery in preventing a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv from crashing, an act praised by both Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian PM Narendra Modi.

Netanyahu invites Capt Machchhar, Modi to Israel's I-Day event

Netanyahu invites Capt Machchhar, Modi to Israel's I-Day event

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lauded Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as a 'hero of the entire world' for his bravery in foiling an alleged co-pilot's attempt to crash a flydubai flight, and has extended an invitation to Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame on Israeli Independence Day.

PM Modi Calls For AI-Driven Civil Service Transformation At UPSC Centenary

PM Modi Calls For AI-Driven Civil Service Transformation At UPSC Centenary

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the UPSC centenary, urged a fundamental shift in civil services recruitment and governance. He highlighted the need for services to adapt to an "instant-delivery world" powered by AI, focusing on citizen-centricity and evaluating candidates' motivation beyond academic knowledge. The PM also praised Captain Smit Machchhar's bravery during his address.

Downed US pilot hid in mountain crevice, hiked 7,000 feet to evade Iranians for 48 hours

Downed US pilot hid in mountain crevice, hiked 7,000 feet to evade Iranians for 48 hours

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

A US Air Force officer was rescued from deep inside Iran after his jet was shot down, following a two-day mission involving US Special Operations forces. The officer evaded Iranian forces for over 24 hours, hiding in a mountain crevice and hiking to high altitudes before being rescued.

President Murmu honours 7 bravehearts with Kirti Chakra; 2 posthumously

President Murmu honours 7 bravehearts with Kirti Chakra; 2 posthumously

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday conferred seven Kirti Chakras, including two posthumously, to personnel of the armed forces displaying raw courage, unparalleled bravery and total disregard for personal safety in the line of duty.

10 Hindi Movies/Shows That Told Kargil War Stories

10 Hindi Movies/Shows That Told Kargil War Stories

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

From Lakshya to Shershaah, revisit 10 Hindi films and shows that captured the courage, sacrifice and emotional cost of the 1999 Kargil War.

Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata Review: Kangana's Film Is All Too Familiar

Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata Review: Kangana's Film Is All Too Familiar

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

You are curious about the characters and admire their bravery, and yet the drama never really cuts deep as it should, notes Mayur Sanap.

ISS pioneer Shubhanshu Shukla awarded Ashoka Chakra

ISS pioneer Shubhanshu Shukla awarded Ashoka Chakra

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, has been awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. The award recognizes his contributions to the Axiom-4 mission and India's advancements in human space exploration.

Pak officer, who captured IAF pilot Abhinandan, killed by Taliban

Pak officer, who captured IAF pilot Abhinandan, killed by Taliban

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah, 37, was killed on Tuesday in a clash with the Taliban militants in the Sararogha area of South Waziristan near the Afghan border, according to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the army.

Building collapses moments after Army's daring rescue op in Pathankot

Building collapses moments after Army's daring rescue op in Pathankot

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Indian Army Aviation undertook a high-risk helicopter rescue operation in Pathankot, evacuating civilians and CRPF personnel from a building surrounded by floodwaters.

'Dead Or Alive, Not A Single Man Will Turn Back'

'Dead Or Alive, Not A Single Man Will Turn Back'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

10 Heroes of the 1965 War which ended on September 23 60 years ago.

BSF Trains 'Drone Commandos, Drone Warriors' for Modern Warfare

BSF Trains 'Drone Commandos, Drone Warriors' for Modern Warfare

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

The Border Security Force (BSF) is training specialized 'drone commandos' and 'drone warriors' for modern warfare, with plans to deploy them in missions like Operation Sindoor. A 'School of Drone Warfare' has been inaugurated to provide training in UAV operations, anti-drone warfare, and surveillance.

Govt misled nation, says Kharge after CDS' interview

Govt misled nation, says Kharge after CDS' interview

Rediff.com31 May 2025

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday accused the government of misleading the nation on the India-Pakistan conflict and demanded holding a special session of Parliament immediately, following Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan's acknowledgement of aircraft loss in the hostilities.

9 IAF officers get Vir Chakra for Operation Sindoor

9 IAF officers get Vir Chakra for Operation Sindoor

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

As festivities for Independence Day begin, the Centre on Thursday awarded Vir Chakra to nine Indian Air Force officers for their brave contributions in the service of the nation during Operation Sindoor.

Co-pilot killed, pilot injured as Army chopper crashes in Kashmir

Co-pilot killed, pilot injured as Army chopper crashes in Kashmir

Rediff.com11 Mar 2022

It crashed around 11:30 am with officials saying that it drifted away while descending and tumbled into a 'nallah' flowing nearby.

Has govt accepted US mediation on Kashmir, asks Cong

Has govt accepted US mediation on Kashmir, asks Cong

Rediff.com11 May 2025

The Congress on Sunday demanded answers from the government on whether it has accepted third-party mediation on Kashmir after the United States made announcements on behalf of India and Pakistan, and slammed attempts to 'internationalise' the issue and 'hyphenate' the two countries.

The Kashmir Princess Crash, 70 Years On

The Kashmir Princess Crash, 70 Years On

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The Air India flight crashed into the sea after a mid-air bomb explosion in what was a failed assassination attempt on Chinese premier Zhou En Lai.

Indian Military's Awesome 3

Indian Military's Awesome 3

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Field Marshal K M Cariappa Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh The three highest-ranking military heroes of the Indian Armed Forces. They were the rarest of the rare. The bravest of the brave.

The 1st IAF Lady Pilot To Win A Gallantry Medal

The 1st IAF Lady Pilot To Win A Gallantry Medal

Rediff.com12 Jul 2023

Helicopter Pilot Wing Commander Deepika Misra rescued 47 people in an operation that lasted 8 days in flood-ravaged Madhya Pradesh.

Sky Force Review: Failed Noble Attempt

Sky Force Review: Failed Noble Attempt

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

'I eagerly await the day when we can experience a truly great Bollywood movie rooted in pure historical facts, one that authentically showcases the essence of our armed forces for Indian audiences,' notes Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).

A 1971 War Hero Flies Into The Ages

A 1971 War Hero Flies Into The Ages

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Wing Commander Pratap Marathe's story is one of dedication, bravery, and humour, a shining example of the spirit of the Indian Air Force. Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd) salutes Wing Commander Marathe who passed into the ages last week.

2024's 10 Best Web Series

2024's 10 Best Web Series

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

The year was rich in content as far as Web series were concerned.

India's first female captain to be honoured for bravery at sea

India's first female captain to be honoured for bravery at sea

Rediff.com9 Jul 2016

Captain Menon, Master of the oil tanker 'Sampurna Swarajya' of Shipping Corporation of India, is to receive the 2016 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea for her role in the dramatic rescue of seven fishermen from a sinking fishing boat in tumultuous seas.