172 Lives At Stake: Israel To Honour Indian Captain Smit Machchhar For Averting Air Disaster

Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, who helped avert a potential aviation disaster after being stabbed by his co-pilot inside the cockpit of a passenger aircraft, will receive Israel’s highest civilian award for heroism, President Isaac Herzog has announced.

Herzog made the announcement on Thursday during a ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, where six other individuals who helped prevent the suspected hijacking of flydubai Flight 1073 were honoured.

Praising Machchhar’s courage, professionalism and determination, Herzog said the Indian captain’s actions helped avert a catastrophe. He added that he would personally present the award once Machchhar had recovered sufficiently.

The incident occurred on September 30, when the flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, carrying 172 passengers, was targeted by its co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national. The captain was stabbed in what appeared to be an attempt to crash the aircraft. His actions helped protect the lives of passengers and crew members.

Machchhar is recovering at a hospital in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is reportedly making steady progress. His bravery has drawn praise from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The six people honoured at Thursday’s ceremony were Tali Manes, Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun, Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan and Or Pardilov. They were recognised for their roles in preventing the aircraft from being brought down.

Established by Herzog following the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism recognises individuals who display exceptional courage while risking their lives to save others.

Herzog said the incident demonstrated the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism. He also expressed confidence in the UAE’s investigation, praising the country’s cooperation.

The award announcement places Machchhar among those recognised by Israel for extraordinary courage in protecting human life during a potentially catastrophic emergency.