'Hero' Flydubai Pilot to be Honoured for Valour

UdaipurTimes, Oct 1, 2026 - Israel has announced that it will honour flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his exemplary act in averting what could have been a major aviation disaster. Speaking to an India media house, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar called the pilot a “great hero” and described his act as a symbol of courage and India-Israel friendship and assured that the Israeli authorities would honour this exceptional act of bravery.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has also announced that Captain Machchhar will be honoured with the Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award for his heroic act, calling him “a brave son of Gujarat”.

Accolades have poured in from leaders across the world, including President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu for the “hero” pilot who, despite deep stab wounds, managed to overpower his attacker, open the cockpit door in time to avert what could have proven fatal for the 174 passengers aboard the plane.

Captain Machchhar was at the controls of the Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight when he was suddenly attacked and stabbed by his co-pilot. Following the attack, the plane went into a steep descent, plummeting 17,400 feet in less than two minutes. The injured pilot managed to alert passengers who rushed into the cockpit and neutralised the co-pilot who, allegedly, was trying to jam the instruments.

Saudi Arabia authorities are questioning the suspected attacker whose identity is yet to be revealed.