Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar, who is being widely praised for his courage during a mid-air incident on a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight, never planned to become a pilot during his school or early college years. An old podcast interview of his has now resurfaced and gone viral.
Machchhar was recently in the spotlight after he reportedly fought off a co-pilot who allegedly attempted to hijack the flight. Despite being stabbed and sustaining injuries, he managed to involve other passengers, and the group overpowered the co-pilot. The plane was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where he received medical treatment. His actions earned praise from several prominent figures, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
What He Said In The Old Interview
In a podcast with Zalak Mehta that has now gone viral, Machchhar openly shared that aviation was never part of his childhood plans.
“Aviation was not a childhood dream. It came along much later in my life,” he said.
After schooling, he joined a textile engineering course because he planned to join his family’s textile business. He completed the entire course. Being young and wanting to study further, he then enrolled in a management programme to help grow the family business. It was during this management course that he attended an aviation seminar — and that is where everything changed.
“That’s when I came across an aviation seminar. That’s where the aviation bug got me,” Machchhar recalled.
His Views on Cabin Crew
In the same interview, he also highlighted the critical role of cabin crew during emergencies. He pointed out that when something goes wrong mid-air, passengers are lucky if a doctor is on board, but cabin crew are specifically trained to handle such situations and can save lives. He expressed that the public’s general outlook towards crew members is often unfortunate, even though they become essential when things go wrong.
Quick Facts: Smit Machchhar Viral Podcast 2026
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Who | Smit Machchhar, Flydubai pilot |
| Why in News | Praised for bravery after mid-air incident on Dubai–Tel Aviv flight |
| Old Interview Insight | Aviation was not his childhood dream |
| Original Career Path | Textile engineering for family business → Management course |
| Turning Point | Attended an aviation seminar during management studies |
| Key Quote | “That’s where the aviation bug got me.” |
| Date of Resurfaced Clip | October 2026 |
Smit Machchhar’s journey — from planning a career in the family textile business to becoming a pilot who later played a key role in averting a mid-air crisis — has struck a chord with many. His old interview adds a human and relatable layer to the story of the man currently being hailed as a hero.
What do you think of his unexpected path into aviation? Does it make his recent bravery even more inspiring? Share your thoughts in the comments below! ✈️
