New Delhi, Oct. 9 -- Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who was allegedly stabbed by his co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv last month, will receive Israel's prestigious Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism. Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised Machchhar's "sheer bravery and sound professionalism", saying his actions helped avert a catastrophe.

Herzog announced the honour on Thursday while recognizing Israeli passengers who reportedly helped subdue the attacker and assisted the crew during the mid-air emergency aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073.

"Captain Machchhar's sheer bravery and sound professionalism helped avert a catastrophe. Once he regains his strength, it will be my privilege to award him, on behalf of the people...