India
Indian Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar to Receive Gujarat Award for Bravery
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who stopped his co-pilot from crashing a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, will be honored with the Visisht Gujarat Garima Award. The incident involved a stabbing and emergency landing.
At a glance
Why it matters
The incident highlights the critical role of pilot bravery and passenger cooperation in averting a potential disaster, underscoring the importance of aviation safety protocols and the human element in crisis management.
Key facts
- Indian pilot Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot mid-flight on September 30, 2026.
- The Dubai-Tel Aviv flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the attack.
- Machchhar is recovering in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, following severe injuries.
- The Gujarat government will award him the Visisht Gujarat Garima Award for his bravery.
- Passengers and crew helped subdue the attacker and ensure the safety of all on board.
What happens next
The motive behind the co-pilot’s attack will be determined by authorities, with further details expected in the coming weeks.
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who thwarted an attempted plane crash by his Omani co-pilot mid-flight, will be awarded the Visisht Gujarat Garima Award by the Gujarat government. The incident occurred on September 30, 2026, when Machchhar was stabbed during a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, prompting an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. All 174 passengers were safely evacuated, and Machchhar is recovering in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The Gujarat Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, praised Machchhar’s 'indomitable bravery' and highlighted his role in saving lives. The award recognizes his actions, which have drawn global acclaim, including praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and former U.S. President Donald Trump. Modi described Machchhar as a 'HERO' for his courage, while Netanyahu acknowledged his efforts to open the cockpit door and enable passengers to subdue the attacker.
Machchhar, a Mumbai native, joined SpiceJet in 2011 and became a captain in 2022. He has accumulated nearly 9,750 flying hours and is part of a family with aviation ties, including his brother, who is also a flydubai pilot. Friends and colleagues describe him as a calm, hardworking professional who was always eager to learn. He is currently undergoing treatment in Saudi Arabia after sustaining severe injuries during the attack.
The motive behind the co-pilot’s actions remains under investigation. Israeli officials stated that Machchhar was covered in blood when he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene. Two flydubai pilots who were passengers on the flight assisted in the safe landing. Passengers later arrived at their destination in Tel Aviv via a replacement aircraft, with many describing the incident as a 'miracle' of survival.
A passenger named Yaniv, who helped stabilize the plane during the crisis, was praised by Netanyahu. Yaniv claimed his knowledge of aviation safety, gained from watching the TV show 'Mayday,' enabled him to act swiftly. The incident has sparked global attention, with leaders and citizens expressing admiration for Machchhar’s heroism. However, the full details of the co-pilot’s motive and the extent of Machchhar’s injuries remain to be confirmed.
The Gujarat government’s decision to honor Machchhar underscores the significance of his actions in preventing a potential disaster. The award, which recognizes exceptional bravery, is a testament to the pilot’s courage and the collective effort of passengers and crew. As Machchhar continues his recovery, the incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by aviation professionals and the importance of emergency protocols in ensuring passenger safety.