The Gujarat government on Thursday announced that Indian pilot Smit Machchhar will be honoured with the ‘Visisht Gujarat Garima Award’ for his bravery after he was stabbed by his co-pilot while flying a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv.
Machchhar, who is undergoing treatment in Saudi Arabia, has received widespread praise for his actions during the mid-air emergency. The state government said his intervention helped save the lives of passengers on board.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the award, describing Machchhar’s actions as an example of courage and dedication.
“The courage of Captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot of the flight headed to Israel, is being saluted by the entire world today,” Patel said in a post on X. He added that Machchhar continued to act despite suffering serious injuries and helped protect the lives of 174 passengers.
Patel said Machchhar’s actions had brought recognition to Gujarat and India and announced that the state would confer the award to honour his “extraordinary act of bravery and humanity”.
Officials said Machchhar is from Gujarat, although his family moved to Mumbai several years ago.
What happened?
Captain Machchhar, the pilot of Flydubai Flight FZ1073 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was seriously injured during an altercation in the cockpit on Wednesday. Despite his injuries, he managed to unlock the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to intervene and prevent a potential disaster.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Machchhar is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier hailed Machchhar as a "HERO", saying his courage and resolve helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy.
"Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO. In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others. His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. India is proud of Captain Machchhar. Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health," PM Modi said in a post on X.
Special prayers for Smit Machchhar at Somnath temple
A special prayer was also held at the Somnath temple for Machchhar’s speedy recovery and long life.
The Somnath temple trust organised a special worship and initiated a ‘Mahamrityunjaya Mantra Japa’ ritual for the pilot’s health.
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“The Somnath temple trust has organised a special grand worship for the health and long life of the nation's pride, brave pilot Smit Machchhar,” the temple said in a post on X.
Patel also shared the temple’s prayer post and said prayers were being offered for the pilot’s recovery and long life.
