Jerusalem: Israel has decided to confer its prestigious Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism on Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary courage in helping avert a major disaster aboard a Flydubai flight carrying 174 passengers.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced the decision, praising Machchhar’s bravery and professionalism during the mid-air emergency. He said the award would be presented once the captain had fully recovered.
“I wish Captain Machchhar a full recovery. A major tragedy was averted thanks to his extraordinary courage and professionalism. It will be an honour to present him with the Presidential Award for Civilian Bravery on behalf of the people of Israel once he recovers,” Herzog said.
