Israel honours Smit Machchhar for the courage he displayed during the Flydubai cockpit attack, with Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar saying the country will find a way to formally recognise the Indian captain.Azar described Machchhar as a “great hero” and said his actions had attracted appreciation across Israel. He indicated that Israel’s leadership and citizens had taken note of the pilot’s role during the emergency aboard the Tel Aviv-bound aircraft.

Machchhar was piloting Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv when he was attacked by his co-pilot inside the cockpit. The aircraft, carrying 174 people, descended nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds during the incident. Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door. That allowed passengers and crew members to enter and intervene. Two other Flydubai pilots aboard the aircraft subsequently took control and safely landed the plane in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Why Will Israel Honour Captain Smit Machchhar?

Israel said Captain Smit Machchhar’s courage and determination helped prevent a potential catastrophe during the Flydubai emergency. Ambassador Reuven Azar stressed that Israel remembers those who stand with the country during moments of crisis. His announcement adds to the international recognition Machchhar has received, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also publicly praising the captain’s actions and courage.

Machchhar is recovering after receiving medical treatment. In a video conversation with Modi from his hospital bed in Abu Dhabi, the captain recounted how he managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries.The precise form of Israel’s proposed recognition has not yet been announced. Azar’s comments, however, make clear that the country intends to commemorate Machchhar’s actions during the emergency.