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Israel has also announced a civilian bravery award for the Indian captain, which is expected to be presented after he recovers from his injuries.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan honours Captain Smit Machchhar with the First Class Order of Zayed II. (Source: X/DXBMediaOffice)
The United Arab Emirates has recognised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and members of the Flydubai crew for their role in containing a cockpit emergency that threatened the safety of a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight on September 30.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on the crew members involved in the incident, acknowledging their courage and efforts to protect those aboard the aircraft.
The UAE has honoured Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and the flydubai crew for their bravery during a cockpit attack on September 30. Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene and help avert a potential tragedy.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 honours were presented by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The recognition comes amid international praise for Machchhar, with Israel also announcing a civilian bravery award for the Indian captain, to be presented after he recovers from his injuries.
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The honours were presented by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Defence Minister and Chairman of Dubai’s Executive Council.
Flydubai Crew Members Honoured
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed also met the crew on Tuesday in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
The UAE leadership praised their response under extreme pressure, highlighting their commitment to passenger safety and the prevention of a potential disaster.
At A Glance
The UAE recognized Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and the flydubai crew for containing a cockpit emergency on September 30.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on the crew members.
During the confrontation, the aircraft lost 16,000 feet in approximately 30 seconds while flying through Saudi airspace.
Israel also announced a civilian bravery award for Captain Machchhar to be presented after his recovery.
The crew expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying they were proud to receive the honour.
Machchhar’s actions have attracted international attention, with leaders in India, the UAE, Israel and the United States among those praising his courage. Israel has also announced a civilian bravery award for the Indian captain, which is expected to be presented after he recovers from his injuries.
What Happened On The Flydubai Flight?
The incident occurred on September 30 aboard a flydubai aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to a report by the UAE’s state news agency WAM, the Omani co-pilot allegedly planned to hijack the flight and crash it into a terminal at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport in a suicide attack.
Investigators reportedly found that the suspect had taken two earlier flights to Tel Aviv to familiarise himself with the route and airport before carrying out the alleged plan.
The aircraft was flying through Saudi airspace when the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar with a crash axe, an emergency tool carried in the cockpit.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing other crew members and passengers to intervene. The aircraft reportedly lost 16,000 feet (around 4,900 metres) in approximately 30 seconds during the confrontation.
The attacker was eventually overpowered with the help of crew and passengers, while two other pilots who were on board brought the aircraft to a safe landing in Saudi Arabia. The suspect was subsequently transferred to the UAE, where flydubai is based.
UAE Crown Prince Praises Captain’s Courage
Earlier, on October 3, Sheikh Hamdan visited Machchhar while he was receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained in the incident. The Crown Prince commended the captain’s composure and determination, describing his response as an example of bravery and responsibility towards others.
“From us, and from the leadership of the nation, he has our full appreciation and praise,” Sheikh Hamdan said in a social media post.
He also expressed pride in Machchhar’s association with the UAE, emphasising the country’s commitment to compassion and the protection of human life.
The Crown Prince described the UAE as “a nation of compassion … a nation of peace … and a nation of life”.
The visit followed a commendation from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority for Machchhar, the flight crew and passengers who helped bring the emergency under control.
The latest recognition highlights the contribution of those involved in containing the cockpit incident and ensuring that the aircraft landed safely.
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Ask News18UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on Captain Smit Machchhar and the Flydubai crew members for their bravery and efforts in containing a cockpit emergency.
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Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news. She specialises in editorial leadership, sharp news judgment, and high-impact st…Read More
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
October 28, 2026, 09:31 IST
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