Mankind Pharma has honoured Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar with ₹1 crore for his actions during a mid-air emergency involving flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The airline’s Indian pilot was seriously injured after being attacked by his co-pilot inside the cockpit on Wednesday. Despite his injuries, Machchhar was able to respond during the emergency, while the aircraft ultimately diverted to Saudi Arabia for a precautionary landing.
The flight was carrying 174 people, including 27 children, when it transmitted emergency signals and reportedly descended more than 17,000 feet before landing at Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk.
Mankind Pharma Vice Chairman and Managing Director Rajeev Juneja said the company was recognising Machchhar for his courage, composure and sense of responsibility during the crisis. The pharmaceutical company announced the ₹1 crore contribution on Friday.
Machchhar remains under treatment at a hospital in the UAE. He also spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by phone and recounted his experience during the incident.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Indian Pilots has requested the Prime Minister’s Office to consider Machchhar for an appropriate national bravery or civilian award.
The incident has also drawn international attention. The Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai publicly thanked Machchhar for his actions, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised the pilot.
Reports have identified the co-pilot as an Omani national, although details surrounding the alleged attack and its motive remain subject to investigation.
