Jerusalem: Israel will honour Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar with its Presidential Award for Civil Heroism for his role in preventing a potential aviation disaster aboard a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced.
Herzog made the announcement on Thursday during a ceremony in Jerusalem, where six Israeli passengers were awarded the Presidential Medal for Civilian Heroism for helping thwart an alleged attempt to hijack flight FZ1073 last week.
Expressing his wishes for Machchhar’s speedy recovery, Herzog praised the Indian pilot’s courage and professionalism, saying his actions had helped prevent a catastrophe.
The Israeli president said he would personally present the award to Machchhar on behalf of the people of Israel once the pilot had recovered sufficiently.
Machchhar is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Abu Dhabi after sustaining serious injuries in an alleged attack by his co-pilot inside the aircraft’s cockpit.
The six Israeli passengers honoured for their roles in the incident were Tali Manes, Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun, Dr Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan and Or Pardilov. Tali Manes reportedly raised the alarm, while Hayoun, Zvika Manes, Pardilov and Rajuan helped restrain the co-pilot. Musayev, a doctor, provided medical assistance to the injured captain.
Herzog credited the passengers’ courage and presence of mind with helping save the lives of all 174 people aboard the aircraft. He also acknowledged the efforts of replacement pilots and other passengers who assisted during the emergency.
However, he stressed that the incident required a comprehensive investigation to establish the full circumstances.
According to reports, the incident occurred aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 last week when the co-pilot, identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked Machchhar with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
The aircraft reportedly transmitted emergency signals and descended more than 17,000 feet from an altitude of 34,000 feet before making an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The United Arab Emirates subsequently classified the incident as an attempted terrorist attack.
Machchhar initially received treatment in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, before being shifted to Abu Dhabi for further medical care.
On Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian embassy in the UAE was in regular contact with the pilot, his family and hospital authorities. He added that Machchhar was recovering well and responding positively to treatment.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had spoken to Machchhar and invited him, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to participate in Israel’s Independence Day flame-lighting ceremony.
Herzog established the Presidential Medal for Civilian Heroism following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel. The award recognises civilians who demonstrate extraordinary courage while risking their own lives to save others.
