Jerusalem: Israel will honour Indian Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar with the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his actions during an attack inside the cockpit of a passenger aircraft on September 30. Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced the decision on October 8 while presenting awards to six Israeli passengers who helped subdue the attacker and prevent a possible disaster.
Machchhar has not yet received the award. Herzog said the honour would be presented after the captain had recovered sufficiently. The captain sustained serious injuries during the incident and has been recovering following treatment.
The six Israeli passengers received their awards at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. They were recognised for their courage and their efforts to protect others aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The passengers honoured were Tali Manes, Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun, Dr Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan and Or Pardilov. Tali Manes was the first to raise the alarm about a disturbance in the cockpit. Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun and Asaf Rajuan entered the cockpit and helped overpower the attacker. Hayoun also helped steady the aircraft, while Dr Musayev provided emergency medical treatment to the injured captain. Or Pardilov was also among those recognised for his actions during the incident.
The attack occurred on September 30 when the aircraft was travelling towards Israel. According to reports, the co pilot stabbed Machchhar inside the cockpit and attempted to take control of the aircraft. The plane descended rapidly, creating a serious threat to the safety of everyone aboard.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene. Their actions helped subdue the attacker and bring the emergency under control.
Other Flydubai pilots travelling aboard the aircraft subsequently took control and landed it safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The coordinated response of the captain, passengers and pilots helped avert a possible disaster. The 174 passengers aboard the flight were reported safe.
Machchhar’s recovery has been closely followed in India. On October 7, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the captain was recovering well and responding positively to treatment. Earlier reports placed him in a hospital in Tabuk, while subsequent reporting said he was receiving treatment in Abu Dhabi.
The award announcement recognises the contributions of both the captain and the passengers who intervened during the emergency. Their actions were particularly significant because an attack inside an aircraft cockpit can endanger everyone aboard and leave little time for others to respond.
The Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism recognises exceptional acts of courage and efforts to save human life. Herzog praised Machchhar’s bravery and professionalism while expressing his wishes for the captain’s full recovery. The six passengers have already received their awards, while Machchhar is expected to be honoured at a later date.
Investigations into the incident are continuing. The United Arab Emirates is conducting a criminal investigation, while Saudi Arabia has opened a separate aviation investigation. Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the attack and the events that followed.
Reports have raised questions about the co pilot’s alleged intentions before the incident. However, the investigation remains ongoing, and the full circumstances have yet to be established.
The planned award for Machchhar and the recognition of the six passengers highlight the role they played in responding to the emergency. Further findings from the investigations are expected to provide more information about the attack and the circumstances that led to it.