Israeli President Invites Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar to Jerusalem for Civilian Heroism Award
Indian Captain Injured While Foiling Alleged Mid-Air Hijack Attempt on Dubai–Tel Aviv Flight
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has invited Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar to Jerusalem to honour him with the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his role in foiling an alleged hijack attempt aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
Machchhar, an Indian national, was injured while attempting to stop his co-pilot, who allegedly tried to hijack the aircraft. Despite sustaining serious injuries, he reportedly helped prevent a potential catastrophe, earning recognition from Israel for his courage and determination.
Flight Diverted to Saudi Arabia
The Flydubai aircraft was carrying 174 passengers and six crew members when the incident occurred mid-air on September 30. Following the incident, the flight was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to overpower the co-pilot and prevent a possible hijacking. All passengers subsequently reached Israel safely.
Herzog Announces Civilian Heroism Award
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Israeli President’s Office confirmed Herzog’s intention to honour the Indian captain with the prestigious award.
“Once Captain Machchhar regains strength, it will be my honour to award him, on behalf of the people of Israel, the State of Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism,” Herzog was quoted as saying.
The proposed honour would be a rare distinction for a non-Israeli national. Herzog had earlier announced the decision at a ceremony recognising six Israeli citizens who were aboard the same flight.
Israeli President Praises Captain’s Courage
In a letter dated October 4, Herzog expressed his deep gratitude for Machchhar’s exceptional courage and determination in helping bring the aircraft to safety.
The President acknowledged the immense danger the pilot faced during the incident and praised his ability to act decisively despite being injured.
Herzog also wished Machchhar a full and speedy recovery and invited him to visit Jerusalem once he had regained his strength.
The letter was delivered to Machchhar while he was recovering in hospital. Photographs released by the President’s Office showed the injured pilot reading the letter.
Herzog Recalls Historic India-Israel Ties
In his letter, Herzog also highlighted the longstanding relationship between India and Israel, recalling the role played by Indian soldiers in liberating the northern Israeli city of Haifa from Ottoman forces on September 23, 1918.
Drawing a parallel between the courage of Indian soldiers in history and Machchhar’s actions, Herzog said the captain would become a cherished part of Israel’s history.
He emphasised that Machchhar’s bravery further strengthened the friendship and connection between India and Israel.
Indian Pilot Receives Recognition Across Israel
The incident has also prompted public expressions of gratitude across Israel. According to the President’s Office, posters featuring Machchhar have appeared along major highways and at prominent locations across the country, recognising his role in helping save the lives of passengers aboard the aircraft.
Members of the Indian community in Israel have also reportedly received a warm response following the incident. Indian students at several universities said campus cafeterias offered them discounts and extended gestures of goodwill the day after the incident.
A Rare Honour for an Indian National
The invitation to Jerusalem and the proposed Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism recognise Captain Smit Machchhar’s reported actions during a potentially life-threatening situation.
As the Indian pilot continues his recovery, the planned honour underscores Israel’s appreciation for his courage and the broader ties between the two countries.
