Israeli Presidential Honor Awarded to Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar is set to receive Israel's prestigious Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism, following his extraordinary actions during a life threatening incident aboard a FlyDubai flight. Israeli President Isaac Herzog officially announced the award on October 9, 2026, as reported by Hindustan Times .

Incident Background

During FlyDubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Machchhar was stabbed in an apparent hijacking attempt by his co pilot. Severely injured, he managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene. This quick response helped to avert a catastrophic crash, leading to an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia with no loss of life, according to the Times of India .

Presentation of the Award

President Herzog emphasized the significance of Machchhar's bravery, saying the award would be presented once Machchhar fully recovers. This announcement was made in Jerusalem during a ceremony honoring six Israeli passengers who also helped prevent the mid air disaster.

Additional Recognition

Machchhar's heroism has also earned a bipartisan resolution from the U.S. House of Representatives and recognition from the Indian state of Gujarat with the Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award. Further, the Federation of Indian Pilots has recommended him for national bravery awards in India.

India Israel Relations

Awarding the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism to Captain Machchhar highlights the strong historical and diplomatic ties between India and Israel. The nations share a history of military cooperation dating back to World War I, as well as more recent strategic partnerships.

This event underscores the continuing camaraderie and mutual respect in civil and military honors between the two countries.