Gujarat-Rooted Pilot Smit Machchhar Averts Flydubai Flight Crisis

WADHWAN: From a family with roots in Wadhwan in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district to the cockpit of an international airline, Captain Smit Machchhar’s journey has drawn attention after he reportedly helped avert a major crisis aboard a Flydubai flight.

Machchhar’s Gujarat connection has emerged as his family spoke about the incident and his condition. His father-in-law, Jaysukhbhai Jogi, said the family was deeply worried following the incident, while his brother-in-law Hirenbhai Jogi said the family was proud of Machchhar’s courage.

“He is currently undergoing treatment. We are proud of him and the courage he showed,” Hirenbhai said.

Although Machchhar has roots in Wadhwan, his immediate family has been settled in Mumbai for years. He completed his schooling and higher education in Mumbai and initially appeared headed towards a career connected to his family’s traditional textile business.

From Textile Engineering to Aviation

Machchhar’s entry into aviation was not part of his original career plan. After completing his textile engineering studies, he was considering pursuing management education to contribute to the family business.

Aviation changed that trajectory.

At around the age of 19, Machchhar attended an aviation seminar. The experience sparked his interest in flying and eventually led him to pursue professional pilot training.

He travelled to New Zealand for his aviation training, reportedly his first overseas trip, and completed the technical training, flying hours and other requirements for a Commercial Pilot Licence.

From SpiceJet to Flydubai

After returning to India, Machchhar began his commercial aviation career and subsequently spent more than 11 years with SpiceJet, where he served as a Senior Commander and Line Training Captain.

In June 2022, he joined Flydubai as a direct-entry captain. He has reportedly accumulated more than 9,750 hours of flying experience on Boeing 737 and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

Beyond flying, Machchhar has also been involved in training aspiring pilots through his FlyBy Aviation academy, offering ground classes and professional guidance.

His family’s Gujarat roots have added a local dimension to the international aviation incident, with relatives in the state closely following his recovery.