Dubai,Oct 29:
Indian captain Smit Machchhar and fellow flydubai crew members have been honoured by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for their bravery in protecting passengers during an attempted mid-air attack aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.
The crew received the First Class Order of Zayed II, with the medals presented by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at a presidential reception.
The incident occurred on September 30 aboard flight FZ1073, which was carrying more than 170 people. Machchhar was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot with a crash axe, suffering serious injuries as the aircraft plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to overpower the co-pilot. Two other flydubai pilots who were travelling on board then helped bring the aircraft safely to the ground in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The co-pilot was taken into custody, while Machchhar received medical treatment in Saudi Arabia before being transferred to Abu Dhabi.
The UAE honour recognises the crewâs courage, presence of mind and commitment to passenger safety during the emergency.
The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroesâ Affairs; 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, and several officials.
When Machchhar was receiving treatment, Crown Prince Hamdan praised Machchhar for his âcourageâ in averting a possible tragedy.
Crown Prince Hamdan visited Machchhar at the hospital where he was undergoing treatment and posted photographs from the meeting on X.
The First Class Order of Zayed II is a high-level civil decoration of the United Arab Emirates conferred by the UAE President to honour individuals, diplomats, officials, and crew members for distinguished service, courage, or contributions to strengthening bilateral and international relations.