UAE President Honors flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar with Order of Zayed II

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented the First Class Order of Zayed II to Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and other flydubai crew members during a ceremony in Abu Dhabi. The award recognized their actions in preventing a terror incident on flydubai flight FZ 1073, which was bound for Tel Aviv.

Captain Machchhar arrived at the event with his head wound sutured and his left arm in a sling. He thanked the president, saying, "It's my honour, Your Highness." The president inspected the captain's injuries and asked, "When will you heal?" Machchhar estimated a two-month recovery period. The president then suggested a future training session on self-defence once Machchhar recovered, prompting a brief exchange of laughter.

During the flight, co-pilot Hamam Al Hammami attacked Machchhar with a cockpit crash axe, causing a compound skull fracture and a sudden loss of altitude of about 14,000 feet. Despite his injuries, Machchhar opened the cockpit door and alerted the crew, enabling passengers and off-duty pilots to take control and avert a crash.

The awards were also presented by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who praised the crew's professionalism and dedication. Senior officials, including Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, attended the ceremony.