Jerusalem, October 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Thursday thanked Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073, for his bravery during an in-flight attack and credited his actions with helping save lives.
“To Captain Smit Machchhar – thank you from the bottom of my heart for the bravery, determination, and actions that saved many lives. I wish you a full recovery and strong health. The State of Israel extends immense gratitude to you,” Herzog said in a post on X.
Machchhar was seriously injured during the incident but continued to act to protect passengers and crew, after which the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia for an emergency landing.
Herzog also announced that he would recommend four Israeli passengers — Yaniv Hayoun, Dr Shota Musayev, Zvika Manes and Asaf Rajuan — for Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for their actions during the incident.
“At a time when the lives of so many people were in danger, you acted without hesitation, with courage, resourcefulness, and extraordinary mutual responsibility. You put yourselves at risk to save others and prevented a terrible disaster,” Herzog said.
“I am proud of you, and I thank you on behalf of the State of Israel. I intend to bring your story of heroism before the advisory committee for the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism and to recommend that it grant you the award,” he added.
According to the account shared by the Israeli President’s office, the incident unfolded after one of the pilots stabbed Machchhar and the aircraft began losing altitude rapidly. Machchhar resisted the attacker and managed to open the cockpit door.
Tali Manes, wife of Zvika Manes, raised the alarm after noticing that something was wrong. Hayoun, Manes and Rajuan then moved towards the cockpit and helped overpower the attacker, while Hayoun assisted with the aircraft controls.
Dr Musayev, meanwhile, provided medical assistance to the critically injured Machchhar and helped stabilise him until the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Herzog said the four passengers demonstrated courage, resourcefulness and a sense of responsibility during the crisis, putting themselves at risk to help others.
The Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism is Israel’s highest civilian honour for acts of heroism. It recognises individuals who risk their lives to save others during moments of danger.
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