New Delhi: Captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot of a Flydubai flight who was reportedly stabbed by his Omani co-pilot, showed remarkable determination during the incident. Despite being injured and still under attack, he managed to open the cockpit door so that others could enter and assist.
Captain Machchhar recalled that he was lying on the cockpit floor when he realised the aircraft, carrying more than 170 passengers, was losing altitude and immediate action was necessary. Speaking to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a video call, he said that although he was injured, he made one final attempt to open the cockpit door from inside.
His actions received praise from leaders in India and abroad. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump were among those who praised his courage.
The flight involved in the incident was Flydubai Flight FZ 1073. Flydubai is a UAE-based low-cost carrier that operates alongside Emirates and contributes to international air connectivity.
Top 5 Airlines in the World in 2026
The following airlines have been listed among the world’s top five airlines for 2026:
- Singapore Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- Turkish Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines has taken the top position among the world’s leading airlines for 2026. At the Skytrax World Airline Awards, it was named the World’s Best Airline for 2026.
The airline moved ahead of Qatar Airways, which had occupied the top position for more than five years.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways has secured the second position in the 2026 global rankings. The airline has previously been named the World’s Best Airline nine times in the Skytrax rankings.
It also received the inaugural Best Onboard Wi-Fi award and won the World’s Best Business Class title for the 13th time.
Cathay Pacific Airways
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways ranks third among the world’s top five airlines. The carrier was recognised for having the World’s Best Airline Cabin Crew.
Its airport lounge, The Wing, also received the award for World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge.
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) features among the five highest-ranked airlines in the world for 2026.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines completes the top five. Apart from its fifth-place global ranking, the airline also received awards for Europe’s Best Airline and Best Business Class Catering.
5 Largest Airlines in the World by Fleet Size
Fleet size is another way of comparing the world’s major airlines. The five airlines listed by fleet size are:
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- China Southern Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
United Airlines operates more than 1,130 mainline aircraft, making it the largest airline in the world by fleet size. American Airlines has more than 1,030 mainline aircraft and operates an extensive regional network.
Where Does Flydubai Rank?
Flydubai, the airline for which Captain Smit Machchhar pilots, has also featured in regional airline rankings.
According to the information provided, SKYTRAX ranked Flydubai eighth among the best regional airlines in the Middle East. The carrier has also received a 3-star rating as a certified low-cost airline.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is based on the details provided about airline rankings, awards, fleet sizes and Flydubai. Rankings, awards and airline fleet figures may change over time. Readers should refer to the respective airlines or official award organisations for the latest information.