Flydubai Attack: Indian Pilot to Get Top Israeli Bravery Award; What He Received in India? List of Global Gallantry Recognition Winners

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is set to receive Israel’s highest civilian award for heroism after his actions helped prevent a potential aviation disaster aboard a Flydubai flight on September 30. Israeli President Isaac Herzog declared that Machchhar would secure the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism after his recovery from serious injuries.

The recognition follows an alleged attack by the flight’s co-pilot aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft was compelled to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the incident.

How Smit Machchhar Helped Avert the Flydubai Disaster?

According to reports, the co-pilot allegedly striked Machchhar inside the cockpit and disabled the aircraft’s autopilot, thus causing the plane into a steep descent. Despite suffering serious injuries, the Indian captain opened the cockpit door, permitting passengers and crew members to intervene and restrain the attacker.

Subsequently, other pilots travelling aboard the aircraft helped regain control, thus facilitating the plane to land safely in Saudi Arabia with more than 170 people.

Later, Machchhar, who reportedly has 17 years of aviation experience and 11 years as a captain, shared the ordeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a video call from his hospital in Abu Dhabi. Modi praised his courage and presence of mind, saying his actions had saved lives and brought pride to India’s aviation community.

Herzog announced the award while honouring six Israeli passengers who helped prevent the incident from escalating. He praised Machchhar’s courage and professionalism, saying his actions had helped avert a disaster. The award is expected to be presented after his recovery.

Calls for India’s Highest Gallantry Recognition

Machchhar’s bravery have also prompted urges for national recognition in India. Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora wrote to the Prime Minister’s Office requesting that the captain be felicitated for the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.

The Federation of Indian Pilots has also urged the government to recognise his bravery, while the Confederation of All India Traders urged for the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak. The Gujarat government separately announced the Visisht Gujarat Garima Award. These are separate honours, and requests for central awards should not be confused for confirmed approvals.

Indians Who Have Received Gallantry Awards Abroad

Machchhar’s recognition also underlines the history of Indians receiving foreign honours for extraordinary bravery and service. Below is a list of Indians securing global civilian heroism felicitations, United Nations honors, and historical wartime awards.

The United Nations awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal posthumously to peacekeepers who showcased exceptional courage and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. India is one of the highest troop contributors to UN missions, and several Indian soldiers have received this honor:

• Lance Havildar Harbhajan Singh & Naib Subedar Sujit Kumar Pradhan (2026): Awarded for their bravery during global UN peacekeeping missions.

• Brigadier Amitabh Jha & Havildar Sanjay Singh (2025): Awarded for their courage while deployed with the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and the stabilization mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo respectively.

• Shishupal Singh, Sanwala Ram Vishnoi, & Shaber Taher Ali (2023): Acknowledged for their ultimate sacrifices during peacekeeping mission in the Congo.

During World War I and World War II, Indian soldiers fighting globally were heavily decorated with foreign gallantry awards for extraordinary bravery:

• Brigadier Hoshiar Singh (France): Awarded the Croix de Guerre (French War Cross) during World War II for showcasing exceptional tactical leadership and bravery.

• Victoria Cross Recipients (United Kingdom): The highest British military valoury decoration was awarded to 40+ Indian soldiers across both World Wars. Famous recipients include Khudadad Khan (the first Indian recipient in 1914), Darwan Singh Negi, Gabar Singh Negi, and Naik Gian Singh.

• US Distinguished Service Cross: Some Personnel, such as Corporal McGrath, received high military honors from the United States Army for extraordinary heroism during WWII allied deployments

Why the Israeli Award in Flydubai Attcak Matters

The Israeli award recognises Machchhar’s courage during an emergency involving an international commercial flight. It underscores the importance of professional training, quick decision-making and cooperation among passengers and crew during a potentially disastrous incident.