Dubai: Israel has announced that it will honour Indian Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar with the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his alleged bravery during an attempted hijacking of a Tel Aviv-bound aircraft.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that the captain would receive the prestigious award after recovering from his injuries. Machchhar is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Herzog praised the Indian pilot’s courage and professionalism, stating that his actions helped avert a potential disaster and protect the lives of 174 passengers and crew members on board.
Captain reportedly injured in cockpit attack
According to media reports, Machchhar was seriously injured during an alleged attack inside the cockpit by his Omani co-pilot, Hammami al-Hammami. The co-pilot reportedly used a crash axe during the incident.
Despite suffering severe injuries and losing a significant amount of blood, Machchhar allegedly managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers to enter and help overpower the attacker.
The captain’s reported actions, along with the intervention of passengers and other pilots on board, were credited with preventing the situation from escalating further.
Intelligence report alleges plan to crash aircraft
An Israeli intelligence report cited in media accounts alleged that the co-pilot intended to seize control of the aircraft, fly it towards Tel Aviv and deliberately crash it into a building.
After the alleged plan was disrupted, the co-pilot reportedly attempted to crash the aircraft in a desert. Off-duty pilots travelling as passengers are said to have intervened and regained control of the plane.
The aircraft was subsequently landed safely in Saudi Arabia, according to the reports.
The alleged incident placed all 174 passengers and crew members at risk. The reported intervention by Machchhar, passengers and fellow pilots was described as instrumental in helping avert a potential catastrophe.
However, the circumstances surrounding the incident and the allegations against the co-pilot remain subject to official confirmation.
Herzog wishes Indian pilot a speedy recovery
Herzog expressed hope that Machchhar would make a full and speedy recovery. He also said it would be an honour to present the award to the captain on behalf of the people of Israel once he had recovered.
The proposed recognition highlights the reported role of the Indian pilot in protecting those on board during the alleged emergency.
Machchhar remains under medical care in the UAE, and the award presentation is expected to take place after his recovery.
Further details about the incident, including the alleged motive and sequence of events, will depend on official statements and confirmation from the relevant authorities.