Indian pilot Smit Machchhar honoured by United States and Israel

United States Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi has honoured Indian commercial pilot Captain Smit Machchhar in the Congressional Record for his bravery during a cockpit attack, ANI News and House.gov reported. EasternEye, India Weekly, and The New Indian Express also report that Israel will award Machchhar its highest civilian bravery award for preventing the attempt to hijack the plane. [1][2][3][4][5][6][8]

The incident occurred on 30 September 2026 aboard flydubai Flight 1073 during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. United Arab Emirates Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi stated that the co-pilot attacked Machchhar with an emergency crash axe on the flight deck to gain control of the aircraft, causing the plane to plunge sharply by around 17,000 feet, the BBC reported. [14][16]

Despite receiving life-threatening injuries during the assault, Machchhar opened the locked cockpit door from the inside. This action allowed crew members and passengers to enter the flight deck and subdue the attacker, preventing a larger catastrophe. [10][14][17][18]

As HEROIC BREAKING NEWS reported earlier, the aircraft made a safe emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with no fatalities among those on board. Indica News reported that Machchhar helped save 172 lives aboard the flight, while earlier reports noted 174 lives saved. [11][14][17][18]

Krishnamoorthi, a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives representing Illinois, praised Machchhar's quick thinking and presence of mind, according to Khaleej Times. Machchhar is currently recovering from his injuries. [9][13][18]