UAE President Awards Indian Captain Smit Machchhar for Heroism
Captain Smit Machchhar and flydubai crew honored for their bravery during a mid-air attack on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Captain Smit Machchhar received the First Class Order of Zayed II for his courageous actions.
The incident involved an attack by the co-pilot during flight FZ1073 on September 30.
The crew successfully managed to land the aircraft safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
In a significant recognition of bravery, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan awarded Indian Captain Smit Machchhar and the flydubai crew with the First Class Order of Zayed II. This honor was bestowed for their remarkable efforts to ensure the safety of passengers during an attempted mid-air attack on September 30 aboard flight FZ1073, which was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv with over 170 individuals onboard.
The attack unfolded when Captain Machchhar was assaulted by his co-pilot, who used a crash axe, typically stored in the cockpit for emergencies. The motive behind this violent act remains unclear. The co-pilot, identified as an Omani national by Israeli authorities, inflicted serious injuries on Machchhar and caused the aircraft to plunge nearly 14,000 feet in a matter of seconds.
Despite sustaining severe injuries, Captain Machchhar managed to summon his strength to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to subdue the assailant. This critical action enabled a pair of flydubai pilots, who were also on board, to take control and safely land the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The co-pilot was subsequently taken into custody, while Captain Machchhar received initial medical treatment in Tabuk before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further care.
The successful resolution of this mid-air crisis not only safeguarded the lives of those on board but also highlighted the crew's dedication and quick thinking under pressure. During the award ceremony, the crew expressed their gratitude to the UAE President for the recognition, emphasizing the values of service and commitment reflected in this honor.
The ceremony, held in Dubai, was attended by prominent officials, including Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The First Class Order of Zayed II is a prestigious civil decoration awarded by the UAE President to individuals for their distinguished service and contributions to enhancing international relations.
