Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073, has garnered widespread international recognition for his extraordinary courage following a mid-flight cockpit incident. Tributes have poured in from the UAE, India, Israel, and the United States, with formal honours recently bestowed by the UAE and plans for a civilian bravery award from Israel.
Last week, the UAE officially honoured Captain Machchhar and the entire flydubai crew for their professionalism and bravery. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II upon the crew members involved. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, presented these honours. The UAE leadership, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, also received the crew, commending their efforts to protect passengers and secure the aircraft.
Israel has also announced its intention to confer a civilian bravery award on Captain Machchhar once he recovers from serious injuries. Earlier in October, Israeli President Isaac Herzog personally wrote to Captain Machchhar, praising his heroic actions. President Herzog drew parallels between Machchhar's bravery and that of Indian troops who liberated cities in the Holy Land over a century ago, hailing him as a hero for Israel, India, and all of humanity.
The incident occurred on September 30, when Captain Machchhar was piloting the flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. During the journey, the co-pilot brutally attacked him inside the cockpit. Despite sustaining severe injuries and losing consciousness multiple times, Captain Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, enabling crew members and passengers to intervene. The aircraft was subsequently rerouted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely without further incident.
Beyond official commendations, the UAE community has offered an outpouring of support and prayers for Captain Machchhar's recovery. At the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, swamis and devotees gathered to hold special prayers. A video from the temple showed men, women, and children singing devotional hymns as priests led the prayers, acknowledging Machchhar's courage and wishing for his complete healing.
Image: mangalorean.com
đź“° Source: Mangalorean Gulf