Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Israel to Honour Indian Pilot for Foiling Flydubai Cockpit Attack
Captain Smit Machchhar was flying a plane from Dubai to Tel Aviv when his co-pilot allegedly attacked him.
Machchhar was badly hurt but managed to open the cockpit door.
Passengers and crew came in and helped stop the co-pilot.
Off-duty pilots then took control of the plane.
It landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and accounts say everyone got off safely.
Israel’s president said Machchhar will receive a bravery award after he recovers.
Six Israeli passengers who helped were also honoured.
Machchhar is recovering in a hospital in Abu Dhabi.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Captain Smit Machchhar will receive the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism after recovering.
Machchhar was seriously injured when Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked him inside Flydubai Flight FZ1073’s cockpit on September 30, 2026.
Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene; off-duty pilots took control and the aircraft diverted to Saudi Arabia.
The aircraft landed in Tabuk, and reports say all occupants disembarked safely; reported passenger and crew totals vary across accounts.
Herzog honoured six Israeli passengers who helped, invited Machchhar to Jerusalem, and said a full inquiry remained necessary; Machchhar is recovering in Abu Dhabi.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar, co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, and passengers and crew aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073.
- What
- Machchhar is to receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his actions during an alleged cockpit attack; six Israeli passengers were also honoured for helping.
- When
- The incident occurred on September 30, 2026; Herzog announced the award during a ceremony reported as taking place on Thursday.
- Where
- The flight travelled from Dubai to Tel Aviv and made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Machchhar is recovering in Abu Dhabi; Herzog invited him to Jerusalem.
- Why
- Herzog said Machchhar’s courage and professionalism helped avert a catastrophe.
Lower reported totals
Higher reported totals
People aboard or saved
Lower reported totals
Some reports say Machchhar helped save 172 passengers and fellow crew members.
Higher reported totals
Other accounts cite 174 passengers or passengers and crew, while one says 180 occupants disembarked. The reports do not reconcile these figures.
Status and description of attack
Lower reported totals
Several articles describe the incident as an alleged hijacking or crash attempt and say the co-pilot attacked Machchhar with an axe.
Higher reported totals
One report says the UAE probe classified it as a “terrorist attack”; another describes the co-pilot’s motive as retaliation for the Gaza war, while other reports do not establish a motive. These characterizations differ and remain attributed to their sources.
- Flight
- Flydubai Flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Incident date
- September 30, 2026
- Award
- Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism; Herzog said it would be presented after Machchhar recovered
- Alleged attack
- Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit; reports describe an axe or crash axe
- Emergency response
- Machchhar opened the cockpit door; passengers and crew intervened, and off-duty pilots took control
- Landing
- The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Recovery
- Machchhar is receiving hospital care in Abu Dhabi; India’s Ministry of External Affairs said he was responding well
- Reported totals
- Accounts cite 172 passengers and fellow crew saved, 174 people or passengers and crew, and 180 occupants; figures differ
Sources
Israel invites Captain Machchhar to receive civilian heroism award
Israel to honour Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for his role in foiling flydubai attack
Smit Machchhar to receive top Israeli bravery award for averting flydubai crash
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar to receive Israel’s top civilian bravery award
Flydubai Indian pilot Smit Machchhar to get Israel’s highest civilian heroism award - Telegraph India
Flydubai flight attack: Indian pilot Smit Machchhar to receive Israel's highest civilian bravery award for saving 174 lives
Israel to award brave Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar with Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism
Indian Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar To Receive Israel’s Presidential Award For Civilian Heroism After Foiling Flydubai Hijacking Attempt | Video
Israel To Honour Captain Smit Machchhar With Presidential Award For Heroism
Smit Machchhar to Receive Israel's Top Bravery Award
Indian Flydubai Pilot to Receive Israel’s Heroism Award
Indian Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar to Receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism
