By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – According to media reports and the Israeli officials on Friday indicated that Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar will receive Israel’s highest civilian heroism honor for the courage and professionalism he displayed during the September 30 attack aboard Flydubai Flight 1073.
US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has prepared a Congressional Record tribute to the Indian captain, praised the actions that gave passengers and crew a chance to intervene during the September 30 emergency.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Machchhar would be presented with the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism once he had recovered from his injuries.
The announcement added another international recognition for the Indian captain, with US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi also preparing to place a tribute to Machchhar in the Congressional Record of the United States House of
“Alongside the Israeli heroes whom we honour today, we send our heartfelt wishes for the full and speedy recovery of Captain Smit Machchhar of India. Captain Machchhar’s sheer bravery and sound professionalism helped avert a catastrophe,” Herzog said.
“Once he regains his strength, it will be my privilege to award him, on behalf of the people of Israel, the State of Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism,” he added.
Machchhar was seriously injured during the September 30 incident on Flight 1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the aircraft’s first officer allegedly attacked him with an axe.
He managed to reach and open the cockpit door, giving passengers and crew an opportunity to intervene and overpower the attacker.
Two reserve Flydubai pilots travelling aboard the aircraft later assumed control and landed the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Krishnamoorthi, a Democratic Party lawmaker from Illinois, said he would enter a statement in the Congressional Record recognized Machchhar’s actions during the emergency.
According to the statement prepared by the Congressman, the aircraft lost about 16,000 feet of altitude in roughly 30 seconds during the incident.
“Even as Captain Machchhar fought for his own life, he understood that the lives of everyone aboard depended on what he did next,” Krishnamoorthi said.
“Despite his injuries, his years of experience told him that the aircraft was going down, and he found the strength to reach that door.”
Krishnamoorthi credited the Indian pilot’s response with creating the opportunity for others aboard the flight to act.
“His presence of mind, determination, and courage gave the passengers and crew the chance they needed to stop the attack and avert a catastrophe,” he said.
The Congressman also highlighted the impact of Machchhar’s actions on the families of those aboard the aircraft.
“Behind every person aboard Flight 1073 is a family that was spared an unimaginable loss,” he said.
“Because Captain Machchhar refused to give up, the passengers and crew aboard that aircraft had the chance to return to the people who love them.”
Krishnamoorthi extended his wishes to Machchhar, his wife Sonal and their two children as the captain continues his recovery.
Machchhar, an Indian national, has 17 years of flying experience, including 11 years as a captain.
The Congressional Record is the official record of proceedings and debates in the US Congress and is also used by lawmakers to place formal statements recognized individuals, organizations and significant events.
