EaseMyTrip gifts pilot Smit Machchhar 5 years of free flights

EaseMyTrip honours Captain Smit Machchhar's courage with five years of complimentary domestic air travel for his family

New Delhi, October 6

As a mark of appreciation for his bravery and commitment to the safety of passengers and crew, EaseMyTrip will offer Captain Smit Machchhar, along with his wife and children, complimentary domestic air travel across India for the next five years, the company stated in a statement.

Captain Machchhar was operating Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv when he was reportedly attacked by the co-pilot during the flight.

The aircraft subsequently went into a rapid descent, creating a critical situation onboard. Despite sustaining serious injuries, Captain Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and overpower the attacker.

The aircraft was subsequently diverted and landed safely in Saudi Arabia. His courage and presence of mind during the crisis have since been widely recognised, including by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rikant Pittie, CEO & Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip, hailed the Indian pilot's "courage and composure."

He said, "Captain Smit Machchhar's courage, composure and presence of mind in an extraordinary situation are qualities every Indian can take pride in. His actions reflect the courage, responsibility and spirit of service that strengthen our nation. As a humble gesture of gratitude, we are pleased to offer Captain Machchhar, his wife and children complimentary domestic air travel across India for the next five years. This is our small way of standing with him and his family and expressing our gratitude for his courage, service and commitment to the nation," as quoted in a press note.

Through this gesture, EaseMyTrip seeks to recognise not only Captain Machchhar's extraordinary courage but also the larger spirit of service and responsibility demonstrated in moments of adversity.

— ANI