Tel Aviv: Israeli President Isaac Herzog has announced that Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar will receive Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his role in thwarting an alleged attempt to crash Flydubai Flight FZ1073 last month.
Herzog made the announcement on Thursday while presenting the Presidential Medal for Civilian Heroism to six Israeli passengers who helped restrain the alleged attacker during the September 30 incident. "Captain Machchhar's sheer bravery and sound professionalism helped avert a catastrophe," Herzog said. "Once he regains his strength, it will be my privilege to award him, on behalf of the people of Israel, the State of Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism."
The six honoured
The six civilians honoured were Tali Manes, Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun, Dr Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan and Or Pardilov. Herzog also wished Machchhar, who is recovering at a hospital in Abu Dhabi after suffering severe injuries in the mid-air confrontation on September 30 involving his co-pilot, Omani national Hammam Al-Hammami, a full and speedy recovery.
What happened on Flight 1073
According to reports, Machchhar was struck with a crash axe inside the cockpit. Though seriously injured and bleeding, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing Israeli passengers to enter and overpower the assailant. Two reserve Flydubai pilots travelling on board took control of the aircraft and landed it safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, saving all 174 passengers and crew. India's Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday that Machchhar is responding well to treatment and his health is improving.
Sources:
Israel To Honour Captain Smit Machchhar With Presidential Award For Heroism — NDTV
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar to receive Israel's civilian heroism award — The Hindu BusinessLine (ANI)
Indian Flydubai Pilot to Receive Israel's Heroism Award — Deccan Chronicle
Herzog made the announcement on Thursday while presenting the Presidential Medal for Civilian Heroism to six Israeli passengers who helped restrain the alleged attacker during the September 30 incident. "Captain Machchhar's sheer bravery and sound professionalism helped avert a catastrophe," Herzog said. "Once he regains his strength, it will be my privilege to award him, on behalf of the people of Israel, the State of Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism."
The six honoured
The six civilians honoured were Tali Manes, Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun, Dr Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan and Or Pardilov. Herzog also wished Machchhar, who is recovering at a hospital in Abu Dhabi after suffering severe injuries in the mid-air confrontation on September 30 involving his co-pilot, Omani national Hammam Al-Hammami, a full and speedy recovery.
What happened on Flight 1073
According to reports, Machchhar was struck with a crash axe inside the cockpit. Though seriously injured and bleeding, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing Israeli passengers to enter and overpower the assailant. Two reserve Flydubai pilots travelling on board took control of the aircraft and landed it safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, saving all 174 passengers and crew. India's Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday that Machchhar is responding well to treatment and his health is improving.
Sources:
Israel To Honour Captain Smit Machchhar With Presidential Award For Heroism — NDTV
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar to receive Israel's civilian heroism award — The Hindu BusinessLine (ANI)
Indian Flydubai Pilot to Receive Israel's Heroism Award — Deccan Chronicle
