Smit Machchhar to receive Israel's top bravery award; President Herzog reserves special honour for India's injured Flydubai pilot

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar will receive Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his courage during an alleged mid-air hijacking attempt aboard a flydubai flight, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has announced. Machchhar is recovering in a hospital in Abu Dhabi after sustaining severe injuries in the September 30 incident.

Herzog announced the decision on Thursday while presenting the Presidential Medal for Civilian Heroism to six Israeli passengers who helped prevent the alleged attempt to crash flydubai Flight FZ1073, according to Israel's Government Press Office.

Addressing the recipients, Herzog praised the Indian pilot's courage and professionalism and wished him a speedy recovery.


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Israeli President praises Indian pilot's courage

Herzog said Machchhar's actions had helped prevent a catastrophe and confirmed that he would personally present the award to the pilot once he had recovered.

"...the Israeli heroes whom we honour today, we send our heartfelt wishes for the full and speedy recovery of Captain Smith Machchhar of India. Captain Machchhar's sheer courage and bravery and sound professionalism helped avert this catastrophe. Once he regains strength, it will be my honour and privilege to award him, on behalf of the people of Israel, the State of Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism."

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The Israeli President also honoured six Israeli civilians for their roles in restraining the alleged attacker and helping avert the crisis. The recipients were Tali Manes, Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun, Dr Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan and Or Pardilov, according to reports by The Jerusalem Post and The Times of Israel.

Indian pilot recovering in Abu Dhabi hospital

Captain Machchhar remains under treatment in Abu Dhabi following the incident. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday that he was responding well to treatment and making progress in his recovery.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy in the UAE was maintaining regular contact with the pilot, his family, the hospital and local authorities.

"Captain Machchhaar is in the hospital in Abu Dhabi," Jaiswal stated. "Our embassy in the UAE has been in regular touch with him, with his family, with local authorities, and with the hospital authorities. He's recuperating well. He's responding well. And his health is improving."

The Indian Embassy in the UAE also shared an update on Tuesday, saying that the pilot was making steady progress.

"Health Update: Capt Smit continues to make steady progress and is regaining his health," the embassy said in its statement.

It added that it "remains in close touch with his family, doctors & local authorities, extending all possible assistance."

"We thank everyone for their prayers & wish him a speedy recovery," the embassy said.

What happened aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073?

The incident took place on September 30 aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073, when Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit in an attempt to bring down the aircraft.

According to the account of the incident, the co-pilot attacked the Indian captain with an axe, leaving him severely injured. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to unlatch the cockpit door, allowing passengers and off-duty crew members to enter and restrain the alleged attacker.

The confrontation triggered a steep descent, with the aircraft reportedly losing approximately 16,000 feet in two minutes before a hijacking distress signal was transmitted.

The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. All 180 occupants were able to disembark without injury.

Six Israeli civilians also honoured for thwarting alleged hijacking

The six Israeli passengers received the Presidential Medal for Civilian Heroism in recognition of their actions during the incident. Their intervention helped restrain the alleged attacker while the aircraft was in the air.

Herzog's announcement of a separate award for Machchhar recognises the Indian captain's role in responding to the emergency despite suffering serious injuries.

The pilot is expected to receive Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism after recovering sufficiently for the presentation, Herzog said.


Inputs from agencies