DUBAI: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has conferred the prestigious First Class Order of Zayed II on Indian Captain Smit Machchhar and his fellow flydubai crew members in recognition of their extraordinary bravery and presence of mind in safeguarding over 170 passengers during a dangerous mid-air assault aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.
The medals were presented on behalf of the UAE President by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, during an official presidential reception. Sheikh Hamdan commended the crew’s heroic act, unwavering professional duty, and swift actions that averted a major aviation catastrophe, according to an official statement issued by the Dubai Media Office on Tuesday.
The harrowing incident occurred on September 30 aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv carrying more than 170 passengers and crew. During the flight, Captain Machchhar was brutally attacked inside the cockpit by his co-pilot using an emergency crash axe, sustaining life-threatening injuries. The precise motive behind the unprovoked attack remains under investigation.
According to Israeli aviation officials, the co-pilot, identified as an Omani national, stabbed Captain Machchhar and disengaged autopilot systems, sending the aircraft plunging nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds. Despite lying critically wounded and bleeding profusely on the cockpit floor, Captain Machchhar summoned his remaining strength to hit the electronic release switch to unlock the cockpit door from the inside.
Unlocking the door enabled flight attendants and passengers to enter, overpower, and restrain the erratic co-pilot. Subsequently, two off-duty flydubai pilots who were travelling on board took control of the flight deck and safely landed the Boeing aircraft at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. The Omani co-pilot was immediately taken into custody by Saudi authorities, while Captain Machchhar received emergency medical treatment in Tabuk before being airlifted to Abu Dhabi for specialized care. Expressing their heartfelt gratitude, the crew members stated that receiving the honor reflects the UAE leadership’s enduring commitment to valuing exceptional service and devotion to human safety.
The high-profile conferment ceremony was attended by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, alongside senior state officials.
The First Class Order of Zayed II represents one of the United Arab Emirates’ premier civil decorations, awarded by the UAE President to honour diplomats, state officials, and citizens for distinguished heroism, extraordinary public service, and outstanding contributions to national security and international relations.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com