US House resolution honors Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, condemns attack as terrorism

The US House of Representatives has introduced a resolution honoring Indian flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar and condemning the September 30 attack on Flight 1073 as an act of terrorism. The resolution praises Machchhar for protecting all 174 passengers aboard. The attack occurred mid-flight when Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami stabbed Machchhar with an emergency crash axe and tried to seize flight controls, causing the aircraft to lose over 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds. Despite grave injuries, Machchhar unlocked the cockpit door, allowing off-duty pilots and passengers to restrain the attacker and land safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The UAE Attorney General announced on October 3 that the investigation determined the co-pilot attempted a terrorist act. Machchhar is recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital, while investigators continue examining motives, evidence, and possible links, with international authorities also involved.