Dubai, October 28, 2026: Captain Smit Machchhar’s actions during a mid-air emergency have earned him and the flydubai crew a formal honour from the United Arab Emirates. The Indian pilot was seriously injured aboard a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight on September 30, but managed to open the cockpit door so others could step in and help.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on the crew members involved in the incident. The award recognises their efforts to protect passengers during the emergency.
The honours were presented by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
Recognition from the UAE leadership
The crew members met Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on Tuesday, in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
The country’s leadership praised the crew for their response during the flight. The crew members thanked the President for the honour.
Sheikh Hamdan had visited Machchhar on October 3 while the captain was receiving treatment. During that visit, he praised the pilot’s courage and his efforts to protect others despite his injuries.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority also recognised Machchhar, the flight crew and passengers who helped during the emergency.
What happened aboard Flight FZ1073?
The incident occurred on September 30, when flydubai Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people on board. According to reports, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit with an axe.
Machchhar was badly injured. He nevertheless managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and restrain the attacker.
Two other flydubai pilots who were travelling on the aircraft then took control of the flight. The plane was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
The captain needed medical treatment following the attack. The safe landing came after a series of urgent actions by people inside the aircraft, including those who entered the cockpit to help.
Praise from India and Israel
News of the incident drew responses from political leaders in several countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar’s courage, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also commended the Indian captain.
Israel has announced that Machchhar will receive its Presidential Award for Civil Heroism once he has recovered sufficiently. Israeli President Isaac Herzog said the captain’s actions helped prevent a major tragedy.
Passengers who intervened during the emergency have also been recognised for their part in restraining the attacker. Their actions, along with those of the crew and the two off-duty pilots, helped bring the situation under control.
The crew’s role in bringing the flight to safety
A cockpit emergency can leave little time for people on board to react. In this case, Machchhar’s efforts to open the door allowed others to reach him and intervene. The two off-duty pilots then took responsibility for the aircraft and brought it safely to the ground.
The UAE’s decision to honour the crew recognises their role in protecting passengers during the incident. It also comes amid wider international attention on the captain and the people who helped during the flight.
Machchhar is continuing to recover from his injuries. The honour from the UAE adds to the recognition he has received since September 30, while the investigation into the incident remains an important part of establishing exactly what happened.