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Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, who reportedly fought off an attack by his co-pilot inside the cockpit of a flydubai aircraft, is set to receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism. The incident occurred aboard a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on 30 September 2026. Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced the recognition of six individuals for their role in preventing the attempted hijacking and protecting the lives of passengers.
About the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism
The Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism is Israel’s highest civilian award for acts of heroism. Established by President Isaac Herzog after the attacks of 7 October 2023, it recognises individuals who demonstrate exceptional courage, risk their own lives and act out of a sense of mutual responsibility to save human life.
The award was presented to six individuals: Tali Manes, Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun, Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan and Or Pardilov. Their actions were recognised for helping prevent the would-be hijacker from crashing the aircraft.
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