The Smit Machchhar bravery award will recognise the Indian flydubai captain whose actions during a violent cockpit attack helped avert disaster with 174 people aboard. Israel says the honour will be presented after his recovery, as India continues to monitor his treatment in the UAE.
Israel to honour Captain Smit Machchhar for flydubai heroics
Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian flydubai pilot praised for his actions during a violent mid-air cockpit attack, is set to receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that Machchhar would receive the honour once he had recovered sufficiently from his injuries. Herzog praised the captain’s bravery and professionalism, saying his actions helped prevent a potentially catastrophic outcome aboard the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight.
Israel award
Herzog said Israel wanted to formally recognise Machchhar alongside Israeli passengers who intervened during the emergency. The Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism honours individuals who put themselves at serious personal risk to save others.
The Israeli president wished Machchhar a full and speedy recovery and said it would be his privilege to present the award on behalf of the Israeli people once the captain regained his strength.
Cockpit attack
The incident occurred aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073 when Machchhar’s co-pilot, Omani national Hammam Al-Hammami, allegedly attacked him inside the cockpit with a crash axe.
Despite suffering serious injuries and heavy blood loss, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door. That action allowed passengers to enter, overpower the alleged attacker and prevent him from maintaining control of the aircraft.
Reserve pilots aboard the flight subsequently helped stabilise the aircraft before it was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, for an emergency landing.
Recovery
Machchhar has remained under medical care in the United Arab Emirates following the attack. His family has reported encouraging progress, including that he has begun walking as he continues rehabilitation.
His recovery has been closely followed in India, Israel and the UAE, where his actions have drawn widespread praise. The captain’s ability to remain focused despite severe injuries has become one of the defining details of the incident.
MEA update
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has said the Indian Embassy in the UAE remains in regular contact with Machchhar, his family, doctors and local authorities.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the captain was recuperating well, responding positively to treatment and showing continued improvement. The embassy has said it is providing all possible assistance during his recovery.
174 aboard
There were 174 people aboard the aircraft when the cockpit emergency unfolded. Machchhar’s decision to fight back and open the cockpit door gave passengers and reserve pilots the opportunity to intervene before the situation deteriorated further.
The planned Israeli honour adds another major recognition for the Indian captain after praise from political leaders and passengers. More importantly, it formally acknowledges the central role his quick thinking and determination played in helping prevent a potentially devastating aviation disaster.
