Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Oct 9: Israel has announced that it will honour Indian Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar with the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his alleged courageous actions during an attempted hijacking of a Tel Aviv-bound aircraft.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that Machchhar would receive the prestigious award after recovering from his injuries. The captain is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Herzog praised the Indian pilot’s bravery and professionalism, saying his actions had helped avert a major disaster and protect the lives of 174 passengers and crew members on board.

According to reports, Machchhar was seriously injured during an alleged attack inside the cockpit by his Omani co-pilot, Hammami al-Hammami, who reportedly used a crash axe. Despite losing a significant amount of blood, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and overpower the attacker.

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 thwarted, the co-pilot reportedly attempted to crash the aircraft in a desert. Off-duty pilots travelling on board are said to have intervened and regained control of the plane before landing it safely in Saudi Arabia.

The incident reportedly placed everyone on board at serious risk. Machchhar’s actions, along with the intervention of passengers and other pilots, were credited with helping prevent a potential catastrophe.

Herzog expressed hope for the captain’s full and speedy recovery, saying it would be an honour to present him with the award on behalf of the people of Israel once he had recovered.

The circumstances surrounding the incident and the allegations against the co-pilot have been reported by media outlets, while further details remain subject to official confirmation.