UAE President Honours Captain Smit Machchhar and Flydubai Crew for Courage and Bravery

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has honoured Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and fellow flydubai crew members with the First Class Order of Zayed II for their bravery in protecting passengers during a cockpit attack on a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight. The awards were presented by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who praised the crew for their courage, professionalism and commitment to passenger safety, according to a statement issued by the Dubai Media Office on Tuesday.

The recognition follows an incident on September 30 aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was carrying more than 170 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv. During the flight, Machchhar was reportedly attacked by his co-pilot with a crash axe kept in the cockpit for emergencies. The assault left the Indian captain seriously injured, while the aircraft reportedly descended nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. The reason behind the attack has not been established.

Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to reach the cockpit doors release mechanism, drawing on what was described as the last of his strength to open it. This enabled passengers and crew members to restrain the co-pilot, allowing two additional flydubai pilots travelling aboard the aircraft to take control and land safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The co-pilot, identified by Israeli officials as an Omani national, was taken into custody following the incident.

Machchhar received initial medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further care. The crews response helped bring the dangerous situation under control and ensured the safe landing of the aircraft. During the award ceremony, the recipients expressed their gratitude to the UAE President and said they were proud to receive the distinction. The honour, the official statement noted, recognises the values of service, dedication and commitment.

Several senior UAE officials attended the ceremony, including Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes Affairs, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports. The First Class Order of Zayed II is a distinguished UAE civil decoration awarded by the President to recognise exceptional service, courage and significant contributions by individuals and officials.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.