Indian pilot Smit Machchhar receives global tributes after cockpit attack

Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot who managed flydubai flight FZ1073 during a mid-air cockpit attack, has received widespread international appreciation and civilian bravery honours, the Free Press Journal and News On AIR reported. The United Arab Emirates officially honoured the flight crew, while Israel announced plans to confer a civilian bravery award on Machchhar following his recovery, according to the Free Press Journal. [1][2]

During the September 30 incident aboard Flydubai Flight 1073, first officer Hamam al-Hammami attacked Machchhar in the cockpit in an attempted hijacking. Machchhar received life-threatening head injuries, but he opened the cockpit door from the inside. This action allowed the crew and passengers to enter the cockpit and subdue the attacker. [1][4][8]

The aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with zero fatalities among the 174 people on board. Machchhar received emergency medical treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia before air medical services transferred him to a hospital in the United Arab Emirates. Tributes and support have poured in from the United Arab Emirates, India, Israel, and the United States, the Free Press Journal reported. Devotees also offered prayers for his recovery at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. [1][4][7][8]

The UAE conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II upon Machchhar and his crew for their actions during the emergency, as HEROIC BREAKING NEWS reported earlier. The Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism is Israel's highest award for civilian bravery. Machchhar will receive the medal in recognition of his actions in securing the aircraft. [1][5][7][8]