Imagine being injured inside a cockpit thousands of feet above the ground. The aircraft is losing altitude, the situation is spiralling, and you have no idea how much time you have left.

Now imagine finding the strength to get back up because you know hundreds of people are depending on you.

That is the story behind the growing calls to honour Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian flydubai pilot who was seriously injured during a mid-air cockpit attack on September 30.

The incident aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073, flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv, could have ended in tragedy. Instead, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries, allowing passengers and crew to intervene. The aircraft was subsequently brought under control and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Now, Milind Deora has written to PM Modi, asking the government to consider Machchhar for the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award.

But what exactly happened on that flight, and why has this particular act of bravery sparked calls for India's top peacetime gallantry honour?

Why Has Milind Deora Asked PM Modi to Honour Captain Machchhar?

In his letter, Milind Deora said Captain Smit Machchhar put the lives of others before his own and continued to act despite being seriously wounded.

The Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP argued that recognising the pilot would send a message that courage is not restricted to soldiers or battlefields. Extraordinary acts of selflessness, he said, can come from people in any profession when circumstances demand it.

The Federation of Indian Pilots has separately approached the Prime Minister's Office, seeking a National Bravery Award or another appropriate national civilian recognition for Machchhar.

It is worth noting that these are requests for consideration, not an announcement that Machchhar has already received the award.

What Happened on Flydubai Flight FZ1073?

On September 30, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when an altercation broke out in the cockpit.

According to preliminary findings released by Saudi authorities, the co-pilot assaulted Captain Machchhar, injuring both pilots during the incident. The investigation into the circumstances and motive has continued with authorities in the region involved.

The aircraft then went through a frightening descent. Reuters reported that flight-tracking data showed the plane losing more than 16,000 feet in just over 30 seconds.

Meanwhile, passengers inside the cabin were largely unaware of the struggle unfolding at the front of the aircraft.

According to Saudi Arabia's official account, the aircraft eventually landed at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk at 9:45 a.m., carrying 174 passengers and an eight-member crew.

That distinction matters because some reports have referred simply to 174 people being onboard.

The Moment Captain Machchhar Fought to Open the Cockpit Door

This is where the story becomes more than an aviation incident.

Captain Smit Machchhar later described what happened during conversations with Indian and Israeli leaders. Despite being badly injured, he realised that the aircraft was going down and that he needed to reach the cockpit door.

In his account, he explained that he was fighting for his own life but also knew he could not let others die. He pushed himself up and managed to open the door.

His first attempt did not end the crisis. But on the second attempt, people waiting outside were able to enter the cockpit and help overpower the attacker.

That action created the opening needed for the aircraft to be brought back under control.

And there is an important detail that should not get lost in the headlines: Machchhar did not single-handedly land the aircraft. Passengers, cabin crew and reserve flight crew all played a role in bringing the situation under control.

That collective response is part of what makes the incident so remarkable.

How Did the Flydubai Flight Finally Reach Safety?

After control of the cockpit was restored, the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia.

The plane landed safely, while passengers and crew received medical and logistical assistance. Passengers later continued their journey on a replacement aircraft. The two pilots were also taken for medical evaluation before subsequently travelling to Abu Dhabi after receiving medical clearance.

Captain Machchhar was later reported to be recovering in the UAE.

The incident has since drawn attention from aviation professionals and political leaders alike, with the Federation of Indian Pilots also calling for national recognition.

Can a Civilian Pilot Receive the Ashok Chakra?

Yes.

This is perhaps one of the most important facts for readers following the story.

The Government of India's official guidelines state that the Ashoka Chakra is awarded for “most conspicuous bravery” or an act of daring, pre-eminent valour or self-sacrifice other than in the face of the enemy.

The eligibility rules specifically include civilian citizens of either sex in all walks of life, along with members of the armed forces and police forces.

So, Captain Machchhar's profession as a commercial pilot does not prevent him from being considered.

One more clarification is important: the Ashoka Chakra is not India's highest civilian award. That is the Bharat Ratna. The Ashoka Chakra is India's highest peacetime gallantry award.

Also, while “Ashok Chakra” is a commonly used search term and the wording used in several reports, “Ashoka Chakra” is the official spelling in Government of India documents.

What Happens to Captain Machchhar's Ashok Chakra Request Now?

At present, the Ashok Chakra remains a recommendation for consideration, not a confirmed award.

The government will have to assess the circumstances and the available findings before any decision is made.

The investigation into the cockpit incident is also continuing. Authorities are examining what led to the confrontation and the co-pilot's actions. Reuters reported that Israeli investigators were expected to participate in the UAE-led investigation to examine the suspect's background and possible motive.

That means some aspects of the incident could still become clearer.

But the central human story is already difficult to miss.

A pilot was injured while responsible for a passenger aircraft. The plane began losing altitude. Instead of focusing only on his own survival, Machchhar pushed himself towards the cockpit door, creating the chance for others to intervene.

Whether that ultimately results in a national honour is for the authorities to decide.

For now, Captain Smit Machchhar's story has sparked a much bigger conversation about bravery, duty and what it means to put someone else's life before your own.

And perhaps that is exactly why so many people are asking for his actions to be remembered.