Smit Machchhar, flydubai pilot stabbed mid-flight, to get Gujarat award; prayers offered at Somnath

Gujarat will give pilot Smit Machchhar the Visisht Gujarat Garima AwardHe was seriously injured confronting his co-pilot on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.

Written by: Hritika Mitra

Published: October 1, 2026, 6:32 PM IST

Share

Share Article

https://www.india.com/news/india/flydubai-pilot-smit-machchhar-to-be-honoured-with-visisht-gujarat-garima-award-somnath-temple-holds-prayers-8531988/ Copy

Gujarat government will honour Smit MachchharANI

The Gujarat government announced on Thursday that Indian pilot Smit Machchhar will receive the “Visisht Gujarat Garima Award” for his indomitable braveryMachchhar, who was stabbed, thwarted his co-pilot’s alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flightCaptain Machchhar, who is being treated in Saudi Arabia, is being hailed for his heroic act that saved several lives, drawing high praise from all sections of society.

Also Read | ‘Refused to shake hands with women’: Omani co-pilot who stabbed Flydubai captain is ‘religious extremist, claims fellow pilot

A special prayer has also been organised at the famous Somnath temple for his speedy recovery“The courage of Captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot of the flight headed to Israel, is being saluted by the entire world todayDespite being drenched in blood due to the attack, he displayed indomitable bravery to save the lives of 174 passengers, a feat that is profoundly inspiring and commendable,” Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said in a post on X.

ઈઝરાયલ જઈ રહેલ ફ્લાઈટના પાયલટ કેપ્ટન સ્મિત મચ્છરના સાહસને આજે આખી દુનિયા સલામ કરી રહી છેહુમલાના કારણે લોહીલુહાણ હોવા છતા તેમણે અદમ્ય સાહસ દાખવીને 174 મુસાફરોના જીવ બચાવ્યા, એ વાત અત્યંત પ્રેરણાદાયી અને સરાહનીય છે.

મૂળ ગુજરાતના આ વીર સપૂતે પોતાના શૌર્યથી સમગ્ર વિશ્વમાં ગુજરાત…

— Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) October 1, 2026

“This valiant son of Gujarat has brought glory to the state of Gujarat and the nation across the globe through his heroismThe Gujarati spirit flowing in his veins fills us all with immense pride,” he further saidTo honour his extraordinary act of bravery and humanity, the state will bestow the ‘Visisht Gujarat Garima Award’ upon Captain Smit Machchhar, Patel announced.

“The entire state is praying for his swift recoveryThe empathy and prayers of the nation’s citizens are with him,” he saidOfficials said the pilot belongs to Gujarat, but his family had shifted to Mumbai long agoMeanwhile, a special prayer was held at the Somnath temple for the pilot’s health and long life, while the shrine management has initiated a ‘Mahamrityunjaya Mantra Japa’ ritual.

Also Read | ‘His head, hands were sliced open’: Israeli dentist who treated Smit Machchhar shares chilling account of Flydubai mid-air attack

“The Somnath temple trust has organised a special grand worship for the health and long life of the nation’s pride, brave pilot Smit Machchhar,” the temple posted on its X account with a video of the prayers“During the flight to Tel Aviv, displaying indomitable courage, wisdom, and unparalleled dedication to duty, he foiled a cruel conspiracy like 9/11 and saved precious lives,” it saidIn another post on X, Patel tagged the Somnath temple’s prayer post and said, “From Lord Somnath, the God of Gods, we pray that He swiftly restores our valiant hero to full health and grants him long life.”