INDIAN PILOT’S EXTRAORDINARY COURAGE EARNS ISRAEL’S HIGHEST CIVILIAN BRAVERY HONOUR
October 9, 2026
Israel will confer its highest civilian bravery award on Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage and professionalism in helping prevent a potential aviation catastrophe after he was attacked by his co-pilot aboard a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced the honour after presenting the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism to six other people who were aboard the aircraft during the September 30 incident. Machchhar was not present at the ceremony because he is continuing to recover from his injuries in a hospital in the United Arab Emirates.
Herzog praised the Indian captain for his bravery, saying his actions helped avert a catastrophe. He expressed his wishes for Machchhar’s full recovery and said it would be an honour to present him with the award on behalf of the Israeli people once his health improves.
The incident occurred aboard flydubai Flight 1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, when the Indian captain was allegedly stabbed by his co-pilot, Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, in an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew members to intervene and overpower the attacker.
The actions of those on board helped prevent a potential disaster involving 172 passengers and crew members. The aircraft ultimately made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where Machchhar received medical treatment.
The six individuals honoured by Herzog were Tali Manes, Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun, Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan and Or Pardilov. They were recognised for their roles in helping avert the disaster and protecting those aboard the flight.
Established by Herzog after the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism recognises individuals who demonstrate exceptional courage and risk their lives to save others.
Machchhar’s actions have drawn praise from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Herzog also used the award ceremony to stress the importance of international cooperation in confronting terrorism and preventing similar incidents.
The decision to honour the Indian captain reflects the significance Israel attaches to his role in averting the potential loss of numerous lives. His bravery and professionalism during the emergency have earned him recognition across national boundaries, even as he continues his recovery.
