Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar to Receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism

October 9, 2026

Tel Aviv, Israel: Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar will receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his role in thwarting an alleged hijacking attempt aboard a Flydubai flight, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has announced.

Herzog made the announcement 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.

Addressing the recipients, the Israeli President praised Machchhar’s courage and professionalism, saying his actions helped avert a major catastrophe. Herzog added that he would personally present the award to the Indian pilot once he had recovered sufficiently.

Machchhar is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Abu Dhabi after suffering severe injuries during the incident on September 30.

Six Israeli Passengers Also Honoured

Along with Machchhar, six Israeli civilians were honoured for their roles in restraining the alleged attacker and helping prevent the situation from escalating.

The recipients were Tali Manes, Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun, Dr Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan and Or Pardilov.

Herzog expressed his gratitude to those who intervened during the incident and reiterated his wishes for Machchhar’s full and speedy recovery.

Indian Pilot Recovering in Abu Dhabi

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Wednesday that Machchhar was responding well to treatment and making progress in his recovery.

Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy in the UAE was in regular contact with the pilot, his family, hospital officials and local authorities to monitor his condition and provide assistance.

The Indian Embassy in the UAE had also issued an update on Tuesday, stating that Machchhar was making steady progress. The embassy said it remained in close contact with his family, doctors and local authorities and was extending all possible assistance.

What Happened Aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073?

The incident occurred on September 30, when the Omani co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked Machchhar with an axe inside the cockpit in an attempt to bring down the aircraft.

Despite sustaining severe injuries, Machchhar reportedly managed to unlatch the cockpit door, allowing passengers and off-duty crew members to enter and restrain the attacker.

During the confrontation, the aircraft reportedly descended approximately 16,000 feet within two minutes before a hijacking distress signal was transmitted.

The aircraft was subsequently diverted and made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All 180 people aboard disembarked without injury.

Israel’s decision to honour Machchhar recognises the Indian pilot’s reported actions during the emergency, while he continues his recovery in Abu Dhabi.