Israel to Honour Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar for Bravery

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has announced that Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar will receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his actions during a reported mid-flight emergency aboard a Flydubai aircraft. The recognition follows an incident on September 30, 2026, involving a flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

According to media reports, the aircraft experienced a serious cockpit incident when the co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Machchhar. The captain sustained injuries during the confrontation, prompting an emergency response from the crew and passengers aboard the aircraft.

Several passengers reportedly intervened to help restrain the alleged attacker and protect others on board. Their actions were credited with helping the crew manage the dangerous situation while the injured captain continued to play a role in the emergency response.

On October 8, President Herzog honoured six Israeli passengers with the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism. The recognition acknowledged their efforts to confront the attacker, assist the injured pilot and help prevent the incident from escalating further.

The announcement of Captain Machchhar’s award on October 9 has drawn attention to the Indian pilot’s reported courage during the emergency. The recognition highlights the contributions of both the flight crew and passengers in responding to a potentially dangerous aviation incident.