Chandigarh’s Neerja Bhanot in 1986, Mumbai’s Smit Machchhar in 2026: 40 years apart, 2 attacks mid-air, 2 heroes who put passengers before themselves

Neerja Bhanot, a flight attendant, showed immense courage during the 1986 hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi. She helped many passengers escape despite the danger, ultimately sacrificing her life. In 2026, Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot during a flight and successfully regained control of the aircraft. His actions prevented a mid-air disaster, saving 174 lives onboard.