6 hrs ago
Israel to Honour Pilot Smit Machchhar With Heroism Award
Captain Smit Machchhar was flying a flydubai plane when his co-pilot attacked him in the cockpit.
Machchhar was badly hurt, but he managed to open the cockpit door.
Israeli passengers then entered and helped overpower the co-pilot.
Off-duty pilots took control of the plane and landed it safely in Saudi Arabia.
Israel’s president said Machchhar will receive a bravery award after he has recovered.
India’s government said he is getting better in a hospital in Abu Dhabi.
Reports citing Israeli intelligence said the co-pilot had planned to take the plane to Tel Aviv and crash it into a building.
The articles also report that he later tried to crash the plane into the desert.
Captain Smit Machchhar is to receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism after recovering.
His co-pilot, Hammam Al-Hammami, allegedly struck him with a crash axe in the cockpit, seriously injuring him.
Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing Israeli passengers to enter and overpower the co-pilot.
Off-duty pilots aboard the flydubai aircraft took control and landed it safely in Saudi Arabia.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Machchhar was recovering well at a hospital in Abu Dhabi.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar, co-pilot Hammam Al-Hammami, Israeli passengers, and off-duty pilots aboard the flydubai aircraft.
- What
- Machchhar is to receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for helping stop an attack aboard the aircraft.
- Where
- The attack occurred in the aircraft’s cockpit; the plane landed in Saudi Arabia, and Machchhar is recovering in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- When
- The award will be given after Machchhar regains his strength; no date is specified. India’s health update was given on October 7.
- Why
- Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Machchhar’s bravery and professionalism helped avert a catastrophe.
Key facts
- Award
- State of Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism
- Recipient
- Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot
- Co-pilot
- Hammam Al-Hammami, identified in the articles as an Omani national
- Reported weapon
- A crash axe
- People aboard
- 174 passengers and crew members
- Aircraft landing
- Off-duty pilots took control and landed it safely in Saudi Arabia
- Recovery
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Machchhar was recuperating well at a hospital in Abu Dhabi
Quotes
Randhir Jaiswal
Spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs
“Alongside the Israeli heroes whom we honour today, we send our heartfelt wishes for the full and speedy recovery of Captain Smit Machchhar of India. Captain Machchhar's sheer bravery and sound professionalism helped avert a catastrophe. 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.”
wionews.com
NDTV
“Captain Machchhar is in a hospital in Abu Dhabi. We have kept you updated on his health condition. Our Embassy in the UAE has been in regular touch with him, his family, local and hospital authorities. He is recuperating well, responding well and his health is improving.”
wionews.com
Indian Embassy in the UAE
India's diplomatic mission in the United Arab Emirates
“Captain Smit continues to make steady progress and is regaining his health. The Embassy remains in close touch with his family, doctors and local authorities, extending all possible assistance. We thank everyone for their prayers and wish him a speedy recovery.”
wionews.com
Sources
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