Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is set to receive the State of Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism, the country’s highest bravery honour for civilians, for his actions during a mid-air attack on a flydubai flight.
Machchhar fought off his co-pilot, Hammam Al-Hammami, an Omani national, who struck him with a crash axe inside the cockpit. Despite serious injuries and heavy bleeding, the captain opened the cockpit door, enabling passengers to enter and overpower the attacker. His actions helped save the lives of 174 passengers and crew members.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said the award would be presented once Machchhar regains his strength. “Alongside the Israeli heroes whom we honour today, we send our heartfelt wishes for the full and speedy recovery of Captain Smit Machchhar of India. Captain Machchhar’s sheer bravery and sound professionalism helped avert a catastrophe. Once he regains his strength, it will be my privilege to award him, on behalf of the people of Israel, the State of Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism,” Herzog stated.
The Indian pilot is currently recuperating in a hospital in the United Arab Emirates.
According to reports citing Israeli intelligence, the co-pilot’s original plan was to seize control of the aircraft, fly it to Tel Aviv and crash it into a building. After that plan was thwarted, he attempted to crash the plane into the desert. Off-duty pilots on board then took control and landed the aircraft safely in Saudi Arabia.
Herzog has already presented heroism awards to five Israelis who helped subdue the co-pilot and prevent the crash. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump have all praised Machchhar for his actions.
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