Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar, the Gujarati-origin pilot who helped avert a mid-air catastrophe aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, is set to be honoured by the Gujarat government with the 'Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award' and a cash reward of ₹25 lakh, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced on Thursday, 1 October 2026. Machchhar, despite being wounded inside the cockpit following an attack by the co-pilot, managed to land the Boeing 737 MAX 8 safely at Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, saving all 174 passengers — including 27 children — on board.

What Happened Aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073

Flydubai flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was carrying 174 passengers when the co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Machchhar inside the cockpit. The aircraft subsequently experienced a sharp descent before being diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to enter and help subdue the attacker. Two passengers then assisted in bringing the aircraft under control, and the plane landed safely. Flydubai has confirmed that an altercation occurred in the flight deck and that the matter is under investigation. The motive of the co-pilot remains unknown at this stage, according to investigators.

Gujarat Government's Recognition

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the award in a post on social media platform X, describing Machchhar's actions as 'extremely inspiring and commendable' and stating that 'the world is saluting the captain's courage.' He noted that Machchhar, being of Gujarati origin, had 'brought pride to Gujarat and the country through his bravery.' The entire state, Patel added, is praying for Machchhar's speedy recovery.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also announced the recognition in a separate post on X, describing Machchhar as 'gravely injured' yet resolute in saving the 174 lives aboard. 'Gujarat honours Captain Smit Machchhar with the Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award,' Sanghavi wrote, calling him a 'brave son' of the state. Sources in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) confirmed the accompanying ₹25 lakh cash reward.

National and International Praise

The incident has drawn widespread international attention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly praised Machchhar's actions and on Thursday personally spoke to the pilot's family, describing him as a 'hero' whose courage helped avert a major tragedy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also among those who publicly commended Machchhar's bravery. This bipartisan, cross-border outpouring of recognition is unusual even by the standards of aviation emergencies.

Machchhar's Aviation Career

Captain Smit Machchhar brings over 13 years of commercial aviation experience and nearly 9,750 flying hours to the cockpit. He spent more than 11 years with SpiceJet, serving as a commander and line training captain, before joining Flydubai as a captain in June 2022. He is currently recovering in Saudi Arabia following the incident.

What Comes Next

The circumstances surrounding the cockpit attack remain under investigation by aviation and law enforcement authorities. Flydubai has said it is fully cooperating with the probe. The formal conferral of the Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award and the disbursement of the ₹25 lakh reward are expected once Machchhar completes his recovery. Notably, this is one of the rare instances of an Indian state government honouring a civilian pilot serving a foreign carrier for an act of courage outside Indian airspace — a reflection of the magnitude of the incident and its resonance at home.