Hero Captain Smit Machchhar to be honoured with Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award
Captain Smit Machchhar who thwarted his co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash a Flydubai flight, will be honoured by Gujarat government. The hero captain is being airlifted to Dubai for treatment as he was stabbed by the attacker, as per the latest update by ANI.
FlyDubai captain, who was stabbed by his copilot in an alleged attempt to crash the plane, has been hailed as a hero.
Captain Smit Machchhar, who is from Mumbai, was seriously injured during the attack on Wednesday as he successfully saved over 174 passengers on board.
For his extraordinary courage, Captain Smit Machchhar would be honoured by the Gujarat government. On Thursday, CM Bhupendra Patel announced that Machchhar would be awarded the Visisht Gujarat Garima Award for his act of bravery.
"The courage of Captain Smit Machhar, the pilot of the flight headed to Israel, is being saluted by the entire world today. Despite being drenched in blood due to the attack, he displayed indomitable bravery to save the lives of 174 passengers—a feat that is profoundly inspiring and commendable.
His actions have been widely praised by world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recognised his heroism in averting a potential disaster.
"This valiant son of Gujarat has illuminated the name of Gujarat and the nation across the globe through his heroism. The Gujarati spirit flowing in his veins fills us all with immense pride. To honour his extraordinary act of bravery and humanity, the Government of Gujarat will bestow upon Captain Smit Machhar the 'Visisht Gujarat Garima Award.'
“The entire Gujarat is praying for his swift recovery. The empathy and prayers of the nation's citizens are with Captain Smit Machhar,” added CM Bhupendra Patel on X.
Officials said the pilot hails from Gujarat, but his family shifted to Mumbai long ago.
Machchar was currently recuperating in a Saudi Arabian hospital after sustaining serious injuries due to the stabbing by his co-pilot in the cockpit of Flydubai flight FZ1073.
Health update
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh, via a social media post, previously shared that Machchar was "admitted to a hospital in Tabuk city in northwest Saudi Arabia and receiving necessary medical attention".
The embassy and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah said that they are closely monitoring Machchhar's health and are in touch with his family.
Several people across the country were seen praying for Machchhar's quick recovery.
Special prayers and continuous Mahamrityunjaya Mantra Japa were conducted at Shree Somnath temple for the health and long life of the FlyDubai hero Captain, reported ANI.
