New Delhi, Oct. 2 -- The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has requested the Prime Minister's Office to consider Captain Smit Machchhar, Pilot-in-Command of flydubai Flight FZ1073, for a National Bravery Award for his conduct during an in-flight emergency, during which he was attacked by his Omani co-pilot on September 30.

In a letter, it said that despite his injuries, Captain Machchhar maintained control of the aircraft, leading to a safe landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with 174 passengers and 8 crew members on board.

"Despite being badly injured and confronted with an extraordinarily dangerous situation within the flight deck, Capt. Smit continued to discharge his responsibilities as Pilot-in-Command. He maintained control of the air...