The Government of Israel has announced state-level honors for Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar following his extraordinary bravery during a mid-air terror incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073. While piloting 174 passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Captain Machchhar was severely attacked and repeatedly stabbed by his co-pilot in an alleged attempt to crash the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
Regardless suffering deep lacerations to his head and hands as the plane plummeted nearly 14,000 feet, Captain Machchhar used his remaining strength to unlock the secure cockpit door. This decisive action allowed off-duty crew and Israeli passengers to breach the flight deck, subdue the assailant, and pull the aircraft out of its catastrophic dive before safely diverting to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly commended the captain for preventing a mass casualty disaster, while President Isaac Herzog announced civilian heroism awards for the passengers who assisted.
The state of Israel is currently coordinating with Indian diplomatic channels to personally recognize Captain Machchhar and his family, cementing a historic bond of gratitude between the two nations.
News Edit KV Raman