Israel to honour Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar for saving passengers in Flydubai flight

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New Delhi: Israel is set to award Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar with its greatest civilian bravery award for playing a role in averting a significant air disaster on a Flydubai aircraft.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog made the award announcement, after the captain was badly wounded during a fellow pilot’s assault.President said the award would be handed to the Indian skipper once he had recovered from his injury.

This happened on September 30, on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. There were over 170 passengers and crew on board. The aircraft was carrying more than 170 passengers and crew members.

This award announcement by the Israeli President Isaac Herzog comes after the captain was seriously injured in an attack by his co-pilot.

Reports claim that co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami assaulted Captain Machchhar inside the cockpit with a crash axe. He reportedly attempted to take control of the aircraft and crash it.

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Even though he was seriously hurt, Captain Machchhar tried to keep the incident from escalating. Other passengers also rushed in and assisted in subduing the assailant.

The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport, Saudi Arabia. All the passengers on board survived.

President Herzog presented the award at a ceremony in Jerusalem. During the event, six Israeli passengers were also honoured for their heroic intervention against the gunman. President Herzog congratulated Captain Machchhar on “his act of unparalleled bravery, courage and professionalism”.

Authorities are still investigating the incident.

The incident also highlighted airline safety and the proficiency of checks on flight crew members.

Also Read: US Lawmakers Introduce Resolution Honouring Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar for Foiling Flydubai Terror…

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