The Gujarat Government has announced the prestigious ‘Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award’ for Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, recognising his extraordinary courage during a mid-air emergency aboard a Flydubai flight. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the honour on Thursday. Captain Machchhar was flying Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv when he was attacked by his co-pilot inside the cockpit. Despite sustaining serious injuries in the knife attack, Machchhar fought back and took crucial steps that helped prevent a major tragedy. The aircraft was subsequently diverted and landed safely in Saudi Arabia, with 174 passengers reported safe. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel praised Machchhar’s courage and said his actions had brought pride to Gujarat and the nation. The pilot, who has Gujarati roots and is currently receiving medical treatment, has received widespread appreciation for his bravery. His courage has also drawn praise from leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Special prayers have also been held for his speedy recovery. The Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award will recognise Captain Machchhar’s bravery and his efforts during an extraordinary emergency that put the lives of everyone aboard the flight at risk. Post navigation Naveen Warns Indisciplined Leaders: ବିଶୃଙ୍ଖଳାକାରୀଙ୍କୁ କଡ଼ା ଚେତାବନୀ; ହିଞ୍ଜିଳି ଓ ଶେରଗଡ଼ର ନେତାଙ୍କୁ ସାବଧାନ କଲେ ବିଜେଡି ସୁପ୍ରିମୋ ନବୀନ Odisha Bandh on Oct 8: ଅକ୍ଟୋବର ୮ରେ ‘ଓଡ଼ିଶା ବନ୍ଦ’: ସଫଳ କରିବାକୁ ଇଣ୍ଡିଆ ମେଣ୍ଟର ନିବେଦନ
