Israeli President to Honor Indian Pilot Who Thwarted Hijacking

During the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Omani co-pilot Hammam Al-Hamami attacked Captain Machchhar with an emergency crash axe in the cockpit. United Arab Emirates investigators later confirmed that the co-pilot, who had made prior reconnaissance flights to Tel Aviv, intended to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport. Despite being severely injured and stabbed, Machchhar fought off the attacker and managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene and subdue the assailant. Other pilots on board then landed the aircraft safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

In his letter, President Herzog praised the captain's composure, strength of character, and quick judgment under extreme danger. Herzog invited Machchhar to visit Jerusalem once he recovers from his injuries and announced that he will receive the President's Award for Civilian Heroism, also referred to as the Presidential Medal of Distinction for Civilian Bravery. Six passengers who assisted in subduing the attacker were also honored at a ceremony.

President Herzog drew a historical parallel between the captain's actions and those of Indian soldiers who fought in the region over a century ago, specifically referencing the Indian cavalrymen who captured Haifa from Ottoman forces in World War I. The president noted that Machchhar's heroism will become an inseparable part of Israel's history and further strengthen the ties between India and Israel.