Hero Indian Pilot Who Saved Israeli Passengers From Midair Terror Attack Receives Prestigious UAE Honor, Shares Heartwarming Moment With President

From nearly losing his life while saving a plane full of passengers, many of them Israelis, to receiving one of the UAE’s highest civilian honors, Captain Smit Machchhar’s extraordinary story continues to inspire the world.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has awarded the Indian flydubai captain the prestigious First Class Order of Zayed II, recognizing his bravery during the September 30 attempted hijacking of Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

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The aircraft was carrying 174 passengers and crew when Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami attacked Machchhar with an emergency axe inside the cockpit.

Despite suffering a devastating skull fracture, the captain fought to survive and managed to open the cockpit door, allowing Israeli passengers and crew members to intervene.

Among the Israelis credited with helping stop the attack were Yaniv Hayun, Dr. Shota Musayev, Tali and Zvika Manes, Or Pardilov and Asaf Rejwan.

The aircraft plunged thousands of feet before control was restored and an emergency landing was made in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Still recovering, with visible surgical staples across his head and his arm in a sling, Machchhar received a warm embrace from the UAE president.

When Sheikh Mohamed asked how long his recovery would take, the captain replied approximately two months.

The president jokingly suggested that once he healed, they should have a martial arts training session together, prompting laughter and smiles.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally praised Machchhar for saving 174 lives and invited him to join Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in lighting a ceremonial torch at Israel’s next Independence Day celebrations.

Netanyahu has discussed the invitation directly with Modi, although the official torch-lighting selection process has not yet been completed.

The captain’s courage, together with the actions of Israeli passengers and fellow crew members, helped prevent what could have become one of the deadliest aviation tragedies in recent memory.

An Indian captain, Israeli passengers and a UAE president united by an extraordinary story of courage, survival and humanity.