The Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has been chosen to receive the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his heroic deed in an alleged cockpit attack aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 on September 30, 2026. The Israeli President Isaac Herzog made the announcement on October 8 when he was presenting awards to six Israeli passengers for helping to restrain the alleged attacker. The pilot himself suffered serious injuries but assisted in opening the cockpit door.
What Happened Aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073?
On September 30, 2026, Flydubai Flight FZ1073 which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv was involved in a serious incident in the cockpit. As per media reports, the alleged Omani co-pilot attacked Machchhar with an axe which resulted in severe injuries to him.
In spite of suffering from such injuries, Machchhar opened the cockpit door and enabled other passengers and off-duty crew members to restrain the co-pilot. It is believed that the plane took a steep dive during the process and was then forced to make an emergency landing at Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Why is Israel Honoring Captain Smit Machchhar?
The President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, complimented the professionalism, courage, and bravery displayed by Captain Machchhar, which saved everyone from a disaster. He further said that he would award Captain Machchhar personally once he regains enough strength.
This award acknowledges his contribution to handling an emergency which could have posed serious risks to the lives of all people onboard. This award recognizes his efforts, along with other people’s contributions who were on board the flight.
6 Other Israelis Are Awarded the Same Award
On 8th October, President Isaac Herzog awarded the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism to 6 Israeli citizens for helping manage the situation on the Flight FZ1073.
They were,
- Tali Manes
- Zvika Manes
- Yaniv Hayoun
- Dr Shota Musayev
- Asaf Rajuan
- Or Pardilov
Their contributions involved informing others, restraining the alleged attacker, and helping him medically. Captain Machchhar was awarded separately.
Recovery of Captain Smit Machchhar
Smit Machchhar has been undergoing treatment in Abu Dhabi after being injured in the cockpit attack. The spokesman of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said on October 7 that the captain was making progress in his treatment and the situation of the captain was showing improvement.
The Indian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates has been in contact with the captain, his family, medical officials, and other concerned parties about the progress of the recovery.
What Is Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism?
The Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism is awarded to civilians displaying outstanding courage, reciprocal responsibility, and self-sacrifice in order to preserve human life.
This award was initiated by the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, in light of the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel, appreciating the acts of bravery performed by the civilians in such unprecedented situations.
It is different from the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor which is also an award by the Israeli President but in a different category.
Notably, the award to be received by Machchhar is for an Indian civilian who has shown outstanding courage during an air travel emergency involving an international flight.
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