Gujarat announces award for flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar in honour of his 'bravery'

Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who helped avert a serious incident aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv despite being injured, is set to receive the Visisht Gujarat Garima Award from the Gujarat government.

Machchhar, an experienced pilot who has been with flydubai since 2022, was injured during an altercation in the cockpit of flight FZ 1073. The aircraft was later diverted to Saudi Arabia, where the pilot is receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk.

Gujarat Government Announces Honour

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel praised Machchhar for his courage and described him as a “valiant son of Gujarat”.

Patel said Machchhar showed exceptional bravery despite being injured and helped protect the lives of the 174 passengers on board.

The Visisht Gujarat Garima Award is a state honour presented to recognise extraordinary acts of bravery, service and achievements that bring recognition to Gujarat and India. Previous recipients have included prominent figures such as Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani.

PM Modi Praises Pilot’s Courage

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Captain Machchhar, calling him a “hero” for his actions during the emergency.

Modi said the pilot demonstrated courage and determination while seriously injured and helped prevent what could have been a major tragedy. He also wished Machchhar a speedy recovery.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu separately praised the pilot for his bravery, saying he acted despite being wounded and helped prevent a potentially catastrophic situation.

Passengers Reported Safe

Flydubai confirmed that all 174 passengers on board were safe following the incident. Media reports said 166 of the passengers were Israeli citizens.

The airline said the reasons behind the altercation were not immediately known.

The aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia during the emergency, allowing the situation to be brought under control while the injured pilot received medical attention.

UAE Authorities Investigate Incident

UAE authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the altercation.

The UAE Attorney-General ordered the formation of a special Public Prosecution investigation team to examine the incident. The investigation is being conducted in coordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant authorities.

Authorities are also examining whether the incident was connected to terrorist activity, prior planning or external direction.

Meanwhile, Emirates has suspended its codeshare operations with flydubai to and from Tel Aviv until further notice.

Israel Announces Civilian Heroism Awards

Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that four Israelis who helped during the altercation would receive Presidential Awards for Civilian Heroism.

Herzog praised their willingness to put themselves at risk to protect others and acknowledged Captain Machchhar’s role in helping avert a serious disaster.

Among those set to receive the award is Yaniv Hayoun, a plumber who said he intervened during the altercation.

The investigations into the incident remain ongoing as Captain Machchhar continues his recovery in Saudi Arabia.