Indian aviator Captain Smit Machchhar will be awarded Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism after surviving a violent cockpit attack and preventing a catastrophic crash aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced the honor, commending Machchhar’s “sheer bravery and sound professionalism.” Herzog confirmed he will personally present the award to the captain once he recovers from his injuries. Machchhar is currently undergoing medical treatment at a hospital in the United Arab Emirates.
The Mid-Air Emergency
The incident occurred aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, when the co-pilot, identified in reports as Hammam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked and stabbed Machchhar inside the cockpit.
According to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office:
- Despite being severely wounded, covered in blood, and collapsed on the floor, Captain Machchhar managed to unlock and open the secure cockpit door.
- The captain’s action allowed Israeli passengers and cabin crew members to rush the cockpit and subdue the attacker.
- A second set of Flydubai pilots traveling aboard the flight assumed control of the aircraft, executing an emergency diversion to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Reports citing Israeli intelligence indicated the co-pilot had planned to commandeer the airliner and crash it into a building in Tel Aviv. President Herzog credited Machchhar’s decisive response with averting a mass-casualty disaster. During the ceremony, Herzog also recognized several Israeli passengers who assisted the crew in neutralizing the assailant.
About the Award
The Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism—also referred to as the Medal for Civilian Bravery—is Israel’s highest decoration for civilian valor.
Instituted following the October 7, 2023 attacks, the distinction specifically honors civilians who perform extraordinary acts of courage, explicitly excluding active-duty military, police, and security forces. Recipients are vetted and recommended by a dedicated presidential advisory committee before being formally honored by the head of state.
