UAE Honours Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar for Bravery
The United Arab Emirates has honoured Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and fellow flydubai crew members for their bravery during a serious mid-air cockpit attack in September. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on the crew on October 27, 2026, recognising their actions in protecting passengers and securing the aircraft during the emergency.
UAE President Honours Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar
The prestigious medals were presented by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who also serves as the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
The UAE President received the crew members during a ceremony attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.
The leadership praised their courage, professionalism and commitment to passenger safety under dangerous circumstances.
Flydubai Cockpit Attack on Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight
The incident occurred on September 30 aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 170 people on board.
Captain Machchhar was seriously injured during an alleged attack by his co-pilot inside the cockpit.
Despite his injuries, the Indian captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene and help bring the situation under control.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Indian Pilot Receives International Recognition
Sheikh Hamdan had earlier visited Machchhar during his medical treatment on October 3, commending his courage and commitment to protecting human life.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump have also praised the captain’s actions.
Israel has announced a separate civilian bravery award for Machchhar, to be presented following his recovery.
The UAE honour recognises the collective response of the flight crew during the emergency.
