UAE authorities have recognised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and the flydubai crew for their actions during a serious mid-air incident on September 30, awarding them one of the country’s highest civilian honours. The tribute comes after the crew’s response helped save everyone on board a flight that later landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
First Class Order of Zayed II conferred
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on Captain Smit Machchhar and fellow crew members of flydubai. The award was presented on Tuesday by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
According to the report, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, also received the crew members and praised their responsibility and focus on passenger safety.
What happened on flydubai flight FZ1073
The incident took place on flydubai flight FZ1073, which was operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Reports say the co-pilot, an Omani national identified as Hamam al-Hammami, attacked Captain Machchhar with a crash axe kept in the cockpit for emergencies. The captain suffered serious injuries, and the aircraft descended nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.
Even after being injured and lying on the cockpit floor, Captain Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door with his remaining strength. That action allowed passengers and off-duty crew members, including two other flydubai pilots travelling as passengers, to enter the cockpit, restrain the attacker, and help regain control of the aircraft. The flight was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
All persons on board—more than 170 passengers and crew—survived the incident.
Investigation and wider recognition
UAE authorities have described the episode as an attempted terrorist attack aimed at crashing the aircraft into Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport. Investigations are ongoing, and that assessment remains the official position reported so far.
Captain Machchhar, who is recovering from his injuries, has received international appreciation, including from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has also announced that Captain Machchhar will be awarded Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism once he recovers.
Sheikh Hamdan had earlier visited the injured captain in hospital and praised him for showing the highest degrees of courage, responsibility, and care for human life. The UAE leadership has stressed that the safety and security of people remains a priority for the nation.
