Captain Smit Machchhar is set to receive Israel’s highest civilian bravery award, the ‘Medal for Civilian Bravery’. This recognition is for his actions aboard a flydubai flight on September 30, 2026, which helped prevent a potential catastrophe.
During the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, a co-pilot allegedly assaulted Captain Machchhar in the cockpit. The co-pilot then disengaged the autopilot and caused the Boeing 737 MAX 8 to descend rapidly from its cruising altitude.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated that Captain Machchhar’s courage was instrumental in averting the disaster. He expressed wishes for the captain’s swift recovery and emphasized that Israel honors his bravery.
President Herzog will present the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism to Captain Machchhar once he has recovered from his injuries.
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Source: indianexpress.com
