President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan awards the First Class Order of Zayed II to Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and his fellow flydubai crew recognised for protecting passengers during an in-flight emergency on 30 September…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The United Arab Emirates has honoured Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and fellow flydubai crew members for their courage in protecting passengers during a serious in-flight incident that forced a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight to divert to Saudi Arabia.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on the crew members in recognition of their professionalism and efforts to secure the aircraft during the incident on 30 September.
The honours were presented by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, who commended the crew for their actions and sense of responsibility.
The recognition follows a dramatic incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, during which Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot inside the cockpit. Despite suffering serious injuries, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing others on board to intervene and help bring the situation under control. The aircraft subsequently landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the incident occurred. The sudden confrontation in the cockpit prompted a sharp descent, raising fears for the safety of those on board.
Passengers and crew members intervened to restrain the co-pilot, while additional pilots travelling on the aircraft helped take control. The plane was diverted to Tabuk, where it landed safely.
Machchhar was taken to hospital for treatment following the attack. The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority subsequently confirmed that he had returned safely to the country and was receiving medical care. It also said investigations into the circumstances of the incident were continuing.
The UAE leadership received the crew members at a meeting attended by Sheikh Mohamed, in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
The leaders praised the crew’s courage and professionalism in protecting passengers and securing the aircraft, reaffirming that safeguarding human life remains a priority for the country.
The crew members expressed their gratitude to the President for the honour, saying they were proud to receive the recognition, which reflects the values of service, dedication and commitment.
UAE recognises aviation professionals
The ceremony was attended by senior members of the UAE leadership and officials, 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, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.
Other attendees included Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, alongside other senior officials and guests.
