Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced that the state will honour Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar with the 'Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award' for the courage he showed during a mid-air crisis on a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight. The state government will also give the pilot a Rs 25 lakh cash reward in recognition of his actions.
Patel made the announcement on Thursday in a post on X, saying Machchhar's bravery had drawn praise from across the world and describing his conduct as extremely inspiring and commendable. Noting that the pilot has Gujarati roots, the chief minister said Machchhar had made both Gujarat and the country proud, and added that people across the state were praying for his speedy recovery.
Sources in the Chief Minister's Office told news agency IANS that the Rs 25 lakh reward would accompany the award.
What happened on flight FZ1073
The honour follows the dramatic incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children.
According to reports, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit. The aircraft then went into a sharp descent before being diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and restrain the attacker. Two passengers subsequently helped take control of the aircraft, which was brought down safely in Tabuk.
Praise from Modi and Netanyahu
The incident has drawn international attention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were among those who publicly praised Machchhar's actions, with Modi speaking to the pilot's family on Thursday and calling him a "hero" whose courage helped avert a major tragedy.
About the pilot
Machchhar has more than 13 years of experience in commercial aviation and nearly 9,750 flying hours. He joined Flydubai as a captain in June 2022 after spending more than 11 years with SpiceJet, where he served as a commander and line training captain. He is currently recovering in Saudi Arabia.
The investigation into the mid-air incident remains open, and no motive has been established. Reports have described the events aboard the flight only in terms of what witnesses and crew have stated.
Sources: Gujarat to honour Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar with 'Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award', Rs 25 lakh for saving 174 lives — The Statesman | Gujarat govt to honour Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar with 'Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award', Rs 25 lakh reward — IANS
Patel made the announcement on Thursday in a post on X, saying Machchhar's bravery had drawn praise from across the world and describing his conduct as extremely inspiring and commendable. Noting that the pilot has Gujarati roots, the chief minister said Machchhar had made both Gujarat and the country proud, and added that people across the state were praying for his speedy recovery.
Sources in the Chief Minister's Office told news agency IANS that the Rs 25 lakh reward would accompany the award.
What happened on flight FZ1073
The honour follows the dramatic incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children.
According to reports, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit. The aircraft then went into a sharp descent before being diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and restrain the attacker. Two passengers subsequently helped take control of the aircraft, which was brought down safely in Tabuk.
Praise from Modi and Netanyahu
The incident has drawn international attention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were among those who publicly praised Machchhar's actions, with Modi speaking to the pilot's family on Thursday and calling him a "hero" whose courage helped avert a major tragedy.
About the pilot
Machchhar has more than 13 years of experience in commercial aviation and nearly 9,750 flying hours. He joined Flydubai as a captain in June 2022 after spending more than 11 years with SpiceJet, where he served as a commander and line training captain. He is currently recovering in Saudi Arabia.
The investigation into the mid-air incident remains open, and no motive has been established. Reports have described the events aboard the flight only in terms of what witnesses and crew have stated.
Sources: Gujarat to honour Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar with 'Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award', Rs 25 lakh for saving 174 lives — The Statesman | Gujarat govt to honour Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar with 'Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award', Rs 25 lakh reward — IANS
