New Delhi: The Gujarat government has announced a state honour for Indian pilot Captain Sumit Machar after his actions during a dramatic incident on a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight drew global attention.
According to reports, Machar was stabbed with a knife by his co-pilot while the aircraft was carrying 174 people. Despite serious injuries, he resisted and managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to intervene and restrain the attacker.
Following the struggle, the flight was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, preventing what could have become a major mid-air disaster.
International media outlets highlighted the episode, describing Machar as a hero and detailing how the attempted takeover was thwarted.
In recognition of his presence of mind and extraordinary courage, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the state will confer the ‘Vishisht Gujarat Garima’ award on Captain Machar, who hails from Gujarat.
