Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar to Receive Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar will receive Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his role in foiling an alleged hijacking attempt aboard a Flydubai flight, Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced.
Herzog made the announcement on Thursday while presenting the Presidential Medal for Civilian Heroism to six Israeli passengers who helped thwart the alleged attempt to crash Flydubai Flight FZ1073 last week, according to Israel's Government Press Office.
“AN HONOUR AND PRIVILEGE”
Herzog wished Captain Machchhar a full and speedy recovery and said his courage, bravery and professionalism had helped avert a catastrophe. "Once he regains strength, it will be my honour and privilege to award him, on behalf of the people of Israel," he said.
The six Israeli civilians honoured were Tali Manes, Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun, Dr Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan and Or Pardilov.
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WHAT HAPPENED ON FZ1073
On September 30, Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked Captain Machchhar with an axe inside the cockpit in an attempt to bring down the aircraft. Despite severe injuries, the captain managed to unlatch the cockpit door. That let passengers and off-duty crew enter and restrain the attacker.
The struggle triggered a steep descent. The aircraft dropped about 16,000 feet in two minutes before a hijacking distress signal was sent. The jet was then diverted and made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All 180 people on board disembarked without injury.
THE CAPTAIN'S RECOVERY
Captain Machchhar is recovering in a hospital in Abu Dhabi. On Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said he was responding well to treatment and his health was improving. He said the Indian embassy in the UAE has been in regular touch with the pilot, his family, local authorities and the hospital.
On Tuesday, the embassy said the captain "continues to make steady progress and is regaining his health," thanking everyone for their prayers.
With inputs from ANI