UAE Honours Captain Smit Machchhar After Foiling Flydubai Mid-Air Attack

The United Arab Emirates has honoured Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and flydubai crew members for helping prevent a potential catastrophe aboard Flight FZ1073 after the captain was seriously injured in an alleged attack on September 30.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on Machchhar and the flydubai crew for their courage and professionalism in protecting passengers. Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the honours on October 27. Machchhar is reported to be the third Indian recipient of this distinction, after former Indian ambassadors Navdeep Singh Suri and Sunjay Sudhir, who were recognised for their contributions to India-UAE relations.

The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar with an emergency axe, causing the aircraft to plunge around 14,000 to 17,000 feet, according to reports. Despite suffering severe head injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing an additional pilot, cabin crew members and passengers to restrain the attacker and help regain control of the aircraft, which landed safely. The co-pilot was arrested, and all passengers and crew survived.

On October 9, UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the 29-year-old Omani co-pilot allegedly planned a suicide attack on Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, inspired by the September 11 attacks. He reportedly took two earlier flights to Tel Aviv to study the route and airport, confessed to acting alone and had passed flydubai’s recruitment security checks. Investigations into possible accomplices continued.

Sheikh Hamdan had visited Machchhar in hospital on October 3, praising his courage and commitment to protecting human life. The UAE leadership also commended the passengers who helped bring the emergency under control.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump have praised the captain's actions. Israel has also announced plans to honour Machchhar with its Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism after his recovery.

Machchhar has expressed gratitude for the support he received and hopes to return to flying after recovering from his injuries.