Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar will receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism after his actions helped avert a potential tragedy aboard a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, 2026. Want to know more about it? Read on!
Smit Machchhar To Get Israel’s Presidential Award For Civilian Heroism
According to reports by NDTV, Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced the honour, praising the captain’s courage and professionalism during the cockpit attack. The award will be presented once Machchhar has recovered sufficiently from his injuries.
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The announcement came on Thursday, October 8, when Herzog presented the same civilian heroism honour to six people who helped prevent the suspected attempt to bring down the aircraft. The recognition places Smit among those being acknowledged for their actions during the mid-air emergency.
How Captain Smit Machchhar Helped Avert A Hijack
On September 30, flydubai Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people on board when the Indian captain was attacked by his co-pilot inside the cockpit. Smit sustained serious injuries but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and restrain the attacker.
The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the injured captain could receive medical attention. His actions, alongside the intervention of passengers and crew, helped prevent the incident from turning into a major tragedy.
Smit Machchhar To Receive Other Recognition
Israel’s recognition follows two separate announcements in India. The Gujarat government has said it will confer the Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award on Machchhar, along with a cash prize of ₹25 lakh, in recognition of his bravery. The felicitation is expected to take place after he recovers.
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Separately, Rajya Sabha MP and Sun Foundation chairman Vikramjit Singh Sahney announced a ₹25 lakh Smit Machchhar Bravery Award to honour the pilot’s courage. Sahney also said he had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting that Machchhar be considered for the Ashoka Chakra and the National Bravery Award.
Well, he truly deserves it.
Cover Image Courtesy: YouTube
FAQs
Who is Smit Machchhar?
Captain Smit Machchhar is an Indian commercial airline pilot who was hailed as an international hero for saving 174 passengers aboard a Flydubai flight.
What happened with Flydubai?
A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia on September 30, 2026, after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain in an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft.
Did the flydubai pilot survive?
Yes, the stabbed pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, survived the attack and was reported to be in stable condition at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.