In a recent incident on flight FZ1073, a co‑pilot used an emergency axe to seize control of the cockpit, threatening to crash the aircraft into Tel Aviv’s airport terminal. Captain Smit Machchhar fought back, opened the cockpit door to allow passengers to take control, and steered the plane to a safe landing in Dubai, sustaining serious injuries that required brain surgery.
President Isaac Herzog wrote to Machchhar, calling him a hero and inviting him to Jerusalem to receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism. In the letter, Herzog praised Machchhar’s courage and determination, noting that his actions saved hundreds of lives and would enter Israel’s history.
Machchhar currently lies in a Dubai hospital recovering, while Israeli officials plan to arrange his travel and the award ceremony once he regains strength. Officials say the ceremony will likely take place in early June, with the Israeli President and Prime Minister expected to attend.