Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced on 8 October 2026 that Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar will receive the Presidential Award for Civil Heroism. The award recognises his actions during an incident aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was bound for Tel Aviv.
Incident aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073
On 30 September 2026, Machchhar was allegedly attacked with an axe by his co-pilot inside the aircraft’s cockpit. Despite severe injuries, he opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and off-duty crew members to enter and overpower the attacker. Machchhar is recovering in a hospital in Abu Dhabi.
The flight number associated with the incident was FZ1073, and the aircraft was operating a service to Tel Aviv. The cockpit, also called the flight deck, is the area from which pilots control an aircraft.
Presidential Medal for Civilian Heroism
The Presidential Medal for Civilian Heroism was established by President Herzog after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. It recognises civilians for extraordinary courage in saving others. Herzog said he would personally present the award to Machchhar in Israel once he had recovered sufficiently to travel.
Six Israeli passengers were also honoured with the medal for their roles in stopping the attack on Flight FZ1073: Tali Manes, Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun, Dr Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan and Or Pardilov.
Related recognition and institutions
US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi is preparing a tribute to Machchhar for the Congressional Record of the United States House of Representatives. The Congressional Record is the official record of proceedings and debates in the US Congress. Isaac Herzog became Israel’s president in July 2021; the president is elected by the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, for a single seven-year term.
Important Facts for Exams
- Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was bound for Tel Aviv when the cockpit attack occurred on 30 September 2026.
- Isaac Herzog is the president of Israel and announced the award for Captain Smit Machchhar.
- The Knesset elects Israel’s president for one seven-year term.
- The Congressional Record documents proceedings and debates of the United States Congress.
Machchhar was recovering from his injuries in Abu Dhabi. Herzog planned to present the award in Israel after Machchhar was fit to travel.
