{
  "id": 11179186,
  "title": "Pilot Machchhar to be awarded Gujarat's top honour",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/pilot-machchhar-to-be-awarded-gujarats-top-honour",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-01T10:42:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/flydubai-stabbing-incident-pilot-machchhar-to-be-honoured-with-visisht-gujarat-garima-award/articleshow/134615974.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who is currently recovering in Saudi Arabia after being stabbed by his co-pilot during a flight to Tel Aviv, will receive Gujarat's highest honour, the 'Visisht Gujarat Garima Award', for his heroic actions. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the award, praising Machchhar's bravery and dedication during the mid-air emergency. The governor's commendation highlights Machchhar's intervention in saving the lives of 174 passengers, despite sustaining serious injuries himself. The incident occurred on Wednesday when Machchhar unlocked the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and prevent a potential disaster. The aircraft was then safely diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where Machchhar is receiving medical treatment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier hailed Machchhar as a HERO, emphasizing the pilot's courage and resolve in averting a major tragedy.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Economic Times",
        "title": "Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar airlifted to Abu Dhabi",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/flydubai-pilot-smit-machchhar-airlifted-to-abu-dhabi",
        "published": "2026-10-01T11:59:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}