Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar to Receive Israel’s Highest Civilian Bravery Award After Cockpit Attack
Israel will honour Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for helping prevent a potential aviation disaster after a cockpit attack on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. Six passengers have already received awards for helping stop the attacker.
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar will receive Israel’s highest civilian bravery honour for his role in preventing a potential disaster aboard a flydubai flight attacked by his co-pilot, Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced on Thursday.
The incident occurred on September 30, 2026, aboard Flight 1073 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Machchhar was reportedly stabbed by his co-pilot, identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, in an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. The pilot and passengers helped thwart the attack, protecting the lives of 172 people on board.
At a ceremony in Jerusalem, Herzog presented the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism to six passengers — Tali Manes, Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun, Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan and Or Pardilov — for their role in stopping the attacker.
Herzog said Machchhar’s courage, professionalism and determination helped avert a catastrophe. The Israeli president said he would personally present the award to the Indian captain once his health improves.
Machchhar is recovering in a hospital in the United Arab Emirates. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have praised his actions.
Established by Herzog after the October 7, 2023, attacks, the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism recognises extraordinary acts of bravery undertaken at personal risk to save lives.
Herzog also highlighted the incident as an example of international cooperation against terrorism, praising the efforts of people from different backgrounds who united to protect those aboard the aircraft.
The planned award recognises Machchhar’s contribution to averting a potential aviation tragedy and saving lives during the attack.
