Smit Machchhar
‘Israel honours your bravery’: Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar to get top civilian award
The Israeli government will honour Indian Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar with the country's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his role in preventing a mid-air catastrophe aboard a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight after an Omani co-pilot attacked him.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said on Thursday that Captain Machchhar's courage and actions had “helped avert a catastrophe”. Herzog will present the award to the Indian pilot once he recovers from his injuries, The Indian Express reported.
Machchhar is currently undergoing treatment in the United Arab Emirates.
In a separate statement issued by the President's Office, Herzog expressed his gratitude to the Indian pilot, saying: “My deep gratitude and appreciation, on behalf of the State of Israel, to the Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, whose determination and actions made the neutralization possible and saved many lives.”
The President also wished Machchhar a full and speedy recovery, praising his bravery and determination.
What happened aboard Flydubai flight 1073?
Machchhar was reportedly captaining Flydubai Flight 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv when his Omani co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked him with a crash axe inside the cockpit.
During the confrontation, the aircraft reportedly lost altitude rapidly, triggering fears of a potential crash.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door and alert others on board. Passengers and crew members then rushed into the cockpit and helped overpower the alleged attacker.
Other pilots aboard the aircraft subsequently took control and safely landed the plane in Saudi Arabia.
Global Praise for Indian Captain
Machchhar's reported actions have drawn praise from leaders around the world, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.
Separately, a US congressional resolution seeks to formally recognise Machchhar's courage, along with the efforts of the crew members and passengers who helped prevent what could have become a major aviation tragedy.
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