Israel to honor flydubai pilot who thwarted hijacking attempt

Israeli President Isaac Herzog will award Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of flydubai Flight 1073, the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism in recognition of his actions during an attempted hijacking on Sept. 30, 2026, that threatened the lives of everyone aboard the aircraft.

Machchhar helped avert a catastrophe after co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami allegedly attacked him and attempted to seize control of the plane. Despite suffering serious wounds, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and subdue the attacker. The aircraft ultimately landed safely in Saudi Arabia.

In a public statement over the weekend, Herzog said, “Once Captain Machchhar regains strength, it will be my honor to award him, on behalf of the people of Israel, the State of Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism”

Herzog also announced that he had sent a formal letter to Machchhar “expressing the deep gratitude of the State of Israel for his exceptional courage and determination in steering the flydubai aircraft to safety and averting catastrophe for the passengers on board the flight on September 30, 2026.”

He also “wished Captain Machchhar a full and speedy recovery and invited him to visit Jerusalem once he has regained his strength.”

“Your ability to find the strength to rise above the pain, to combat the immediate threat to your life, and to operate sound judgment demonstrates the strength of your character and the great valor you possess,” Herzog continued.

“Your heroics place you in the distinguished ranks of Indian troops, who risked their lives over 100 years ago to liberate cities in the Holy Land, forever becoming a part of Israel’s history. You too, Captain Machchhar, will henceforth be a treasured part of our people’s history, further amplifying the warmth and connection between the Republic of India and the State of Israel,” he said.

"We all share heartfelt prayers for your full and speedy recovery, and I look forward, once you have regained strength, to welcoming you to Jerusalem and expressing the appreciation and the love of our grateful nation,” Herzog said.

Machchhar reportedly received the letter in his hospital bed in Dubai, where he is recovering from his wounds. He has expressed interest in visiting Israel to meet the people who came into the cockpit after he managed to open the door, particularly the dentist who helped stabilize his injuries and save his life.

Herzog also presided over a ceremony this past week to recognize the heroism of Israeli passengers who intervened during the attempted hijacking, conferring the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism on those who helped prevent a disaster.

Al-Hammami has reportedly told authorities in the United Arab Emirates that he intended to crash the plane into the terminal at Ben Gurion International Airport. Israeli officials have expressed interest in extraditing him to Israel to stand trial, although the UAE has indicated that extradition is unlikely. Reports have also suggested that he could face execution.

The attempted hijacking has prompted increased scrutiny of pilot and crew vetting on international flights to and from Israel. Some international airlines, including Air France, have reportedly agreed to remove pilots from flights to Israel if they come from countries considered security concerns.