'Proud of our Mumbai boy': Netizens hail flydubai hero pilot, seeks Ashok Chakra

Social media users worldwide are praising Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery in saving passengersMUMBAI: Social media users worldwide applauded the bravery of flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar credited with saving the lives of 174 passengers aboard the flight to Tel Aviv Wednesday.Some people urged the govt to present him with a prestigious civilian award like the Ashok Chakra. One Rajgopal Totla asked, “Can his name be recommended for India’s highest bravery award peace time (sic)?.. It was all unbelievable.”Ghatkopar residents were elated. “Proud of our Ghatkopar boy... Pilot Smit Machchhar,” Nxtlvl wrote. Ram Venkatraman said, “He is from Ghatkopar! School mate of my friends son in MD Bhatia School! Pray for his speedy recovery.” Tamanna Maru, Neelam Shah and Valam Bal said the captain was a resident of Tilak Nagar.An account named Astraa said, “The more you know about the chain of events [the] more respect one feels towards the braveheart that Inspired millions in India and billions across the globe!”Several people replayed Capt Smit’s podcast of 2025 where he had talked of having doctors on board for an emergency. “When we are up there (in the sky) and something happens — who’s going to save you — you will be lucky enou­gh to have a doctor on board,” he had said. Netizen Pramod Munde said, “Thought should be given to send a team of doctors if required.”An outpouring of relief and prayers went up when the Indian embassy in UAE posted, “He is in good health and recovering well.”The pilot’s former employer, Spicejet, sent “heartfelt prayers and deepest respect” for his “ heroic courage”. “Your heroism saved countless lives today,” the company said.