New Delhi: Israel is set to formally recognise Indian Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery during a dramatic cockpit attack on a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said on Thursday.

Azar praised Machchhar as a “great hero” and said Israel would find a way to recognise him for his actions during the incident. The ambassador said the Indian pilot’s conduct, even after sustaining serious injuries, had made a strong impression on Israel’s leadership and public.

Pilot attacked during flight

The incident occurred on Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people on board. According to reports from Reuters and AP, the Indian captain was allegedly attacked and stabbed by his co-pilot during the flight.

The aircraft subsequently entered a steep descent, reportedly losing nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and restrain the other pilot. Two additional Flydubai pilots who were travelling as passengers then helped stabilise and land the aircraft.

The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Machchhar was taken to hospital and has been reported to be in stable condition. The alleged attacker, an Omani national, was taken into custody while authorities continued investigating the incident and its motive.

Indian pilot, others prevented another 9/11: Israel PM

Israel PM Netanyahu says the Indian pilot was “attacked” by co pilot with an “axe”, explaining that Smit “managed to unlock the door”.

vdo ctsy: CBS News pic.twitter.com/5m6tCyzIYJ

— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) October 1, 2026

Israel praises Captain Machchhar

Ambassador Azar said Machchhar’s actions had been widely appreciated in Israel, including by the country’s political leadership. He said the pilot demonstrated resourcefulness, courage and resolve in opening the cockpit door and seeking assistance despite his injuries.

Azar also highlighted the role of the Israeli passengers who intervened after entering the cockpit. According to his account, they helped subdue the attacker, while other pilots aboard the aircraft subsequently helped bring the plane under control and land it safely.

The ambassador described the episode as an example of cooperation between people of different nationalities during an extreme aviation emergency.

Netanyahu and Modi also hail Indian pilot

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier praised Machchhar as a “true hero”, saying the captain’s actions helped prevent a catastrophic mid-air disaster. Netanyahu said Machchhar’s actions helped save the lives of all 174 people aboard, including Israeli citizens and other nationals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised the Indian pilot, describing him as a hero who showed courage and determination to protect the lives of others despite being seriously injured. Reuters reported that Modi and Netanyahu both publicly praised Machchhar following the incident.

Captain Smit Machchhar has shown the world the highest form of courage.

Without fearing for his own life, he fought valiantly and prevented another 9/11 like attack from happening.

140 crore Indians salute Captain Smit and are praying for his well-being. pic.twitter.com/YGTA9CFCAg

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 1, 2026

Recognition still being worked out

Importantly, Ambassador Azar’s announcement indicates that Israel intends to recognise or honour Machchhar, but a specific Israeli medal, award or ceremony for the Indian pilot had not been identified in the reports available on October 1.

Separately, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog said he would recommend the country’s highest civilian bravery award for four Israeli passengers who helped respond to the cockpit attack.

The distinction is important: the reports confirm Israel’s intention to honour Machchhar, while the exact form and timing of his recognition remain to be announced.

Investigation continues

Authorities are still investigating why the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar and what happened inside the cockpit. AP reported that the motive remained unclear, with authorities from several countries involved in the investigation.

For now, Captain Smit Machchhar’s actions, together with the intervention of passengers, crew members and the additional pilots aboard the aircraft, have drawn international praise after the flight was brought safely to the ground in Saudi Arabia.