Indian pilot Smit Machchhar to receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civil Heroism
Israel will honour Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar with the Presidential Award for Civil Heroism for his role in preventing a major aviation disaster aboard a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, President Isaac Herzog announced on Thursday. Herzog made the announcement while presenting the Presidential Medal for Civilian Heroism to six Israeli passengers who helped thwart the alleged attempt to crash flight FZ1073 last week. The ceremony was held in Jerusalem. “Alongside the Israeli heroes we honor today, we send our heartfelt wishes for a full and speedy recovery to Captain Smit Machchhar of India. Captain Machchhar’s courage, bravery and professionalism helped prevent this catastrophe,” Herzog said. “Once he regains his strength, it will be an honour and a privilege for me to present him, on behalf of the people of Israel, with the Presidential State of Israel Award for Civil Heroism,” he added. The announcement came as Machchhar continued to recover in a hospital in Abu Dhabi after sustaining serious injuries during an alleged attack by his co-pilot inside the aircraft's cockpit.
Six Israeli passengers honoured for thwarting attack
Herzog presented the civilian heroism award to Tali Manes, Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun, Dr Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan and Or Pardilov for their roles in preventing the alleged hijacking attempt, according to The Jerusalem Post and The Times of Israel. Tali Manes was credited with first raising the alarm, while Hayoun, Zvika Manes, Pardilov and Rajuan helped subdue the co-pilot after he allegedly attacked the captain. Musayev, a doctor, provided medical assistance to the injured pilot. “Today we gather in Jerusalem to honour six seemingly ordinary Israelis who proved to be extraordinary human beings, true heroes, by saving the flight last week,” Herzog said. “Thanks to their courage, determination and remarkable presence of mind, these heroes prevented a devastating aviation disaster that would have shocked the entire world and saved 174 precious lives.” The Israeli president also expressed gratitude to the replacement pilots who took over the aircraft and other passengers who helped during the emergency. Herzog said the passengers' actions could not remove the need for a full investigation into the incident. “The civilian bravery and resourcefulness demonstrated by the heroes gathered here cannot absolve us of the obligation to obtain full answers,” he said.
What happened aboard the flydubai flight?
The incident occurred last week aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was carrying 174 passengers to Israel. The co-pilot, identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked Machchhar with a crash axe inside the cockpit and attempted to take control of the aircraft. The aircraft transmitted emergency signals and made a rapid descent of more than 17,000 feet, from 34,000 feet, before making an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The UAE subsequently classified the incident as an attempted terrorist attack. Machchhar received initial treatment in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, before being shifted to Abu Dhabi for further medical care. Ministry of external affairs said on Tuesday that the pilot was recovering well and responding positively to treatment. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian embassy in the UAE was in regular contact with Machchhar, his family and hospital authorities. “Captain Smit Machchhar is in the hospital in Abu Dhabi. 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,” Jaiswal said.
Netanyahu had invited pilot to Israel's Independence Day event
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier spoken to Machchhar while he was receiving treatment in the UAE and praised his actions during the incident. Netanyahu invited the Indian pilot and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame at Israel's Independence Day event, describing Machchhar as a hero of Israel, India and the world. “It's our highest honour that we give on our Independence Day. It's usually reserved for Israeli citizens, but I think here in this case, all the citizens of Israel will embrace you. They do now, and they will then too. So we hope to see you very soon in Israel,” Netanyahu told the pilot. The Israeli president's announcement on Thursday means Machchhar will also receive a civilian heroism award once he has recovered sufficiently to travel. Herzog established the Presidential Medal for Civilian Heroism following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel. The award recognises civilians who display extraordinary courage while putting themselves at genuine risk to save others.
