Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar Recovering in Abu Dhabi Hospital After Suffering Severe Injuries.
Dubai: Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is set to receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism in recognition of his actions during an incident aboard a flight on September 30, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has announced.
Herzog confirmed the decision on Thursday during a ceremony honouring six Israeli passengers who helped prevent what Israeli authorities described as an alleged attempt to hijack the aircraft.
The Israeli President commended Machchhar for his exceptional courage, quick thinking and professional conduct during the incident, crediting his actions with helping to prevent a potentially serious tragedy.
Herzog also expressed his best wishes for the Indian pilot’s recovery and said the award would be presented to him once his health had sufficiently improved.
Flydubai Pilot Recovering in Abu Dhabi Hospital
Captain Machchhar remains under medical care at a hospital in Abu Dhabi after suffering serious injuries during the mid-air incident involving another flight crew member.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Indian officials have reported encouraging progress in his recovery.
On Wednesday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that Machchhar was responding positively to medical treatment and that his condition was improving.
Jaiswal explained that the Indian Embassy in the UAE has maintained regular communication with the injured pilot, his family, local authorities and the medical team overseeing his treatment.
He reassured the public that Machchhar was recovering steadily and showing signs of improvement.
The Indian Embassy in the UAE had also issued an update on Tuesday, confirming that the pilot was making consistent progress in his recovery.
The announcement of the civilian heroism award recognises Machchhar’s actions during the September 30 incident, while his medical treatment and recovery continue in Abu Dhabi.
The Indian Embassy in the UAE confirmed that it continues to maintain regular communication with Captain Smit Machchhar’s family, medical team and local authorities.
The embassy also assured that it is providing all necessary assistance to support the injured pilot during his treatment and recovery.
Six Israeli Passengers Recognised for Their Bravery
Israeli President Isaac Herzog presented the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism to six Israeli passengers in recognition of their actions during the September 30 flight incident.
The recipients were Tali Manes, Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun, Dr Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan and Or Pardilov.
The passengers were honoured for their role in responding to what Israeli authorities described as an alleged hijacking attempt aboard the aircraft.
According to reports, the confrontation caused the aircraft to lose altitude rapidly, prompting the crew to transmit an emergency distress signal.
The flight was subsequently diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the aircraft made an emergency landing.
All 180 passengers and crew members on board were able to disembark safely following the landing.
Pilot to Receive Award After Recovery
Captain Machchhar, who sustained serious injuries during the incident, will receive the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism at a later date.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog confirmed that the honour would be formally presented once the Indian pilot had recovered sufficiently.
Machchhar remains under medical care in Abu Dhabi, with Indian diplomatic officials continuing to coordinate with his family, healthcare providers and local authorities.
