New Delhi

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan embraced Captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot of Flydubai Flight FZ1073, while honouring him and six other crew members for their courage during an alleged terror attack in the cockpit on September 30.

The crew members were conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II in recognition of their exemplary courage and efforts to ensure the safety of passengers during the in-flight incident. The honours were presented by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence, who commended the crew for their actions and sense of responsibility.

Captain Smit Machcchar receiving the award

Captain Machchhar attended the ceremony in his pilot’s uniform, with his injured hand bandaged and supported in a sling. A visible injury mark on his head was a reminder of the violent assault he suffered at the hands of his co-pilot.

The September 30 incident occurred aboard Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The flight was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, following the copilot attacking Machcchar in a bid to capture the Tel Aviv bound plane and crash it.

The Omani pilot Hamam al-Hammami is facing terror charges in the UAE.

Terror was met with courage. Courage was met with honour. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed embraces Captain Smit Machchhar, hero of flydubai Flight FZ1073, honoured with the Order of Zayed II. In the UAE, bravery knows no nationality. Heroes are treated as heroes. 🇦🇪🇮🇳 https://t.co/338raPFbyZ

— Mona Alhmoudi، منى الحمودي (@monaalhmoudi) October 27, 2026

According to the UAE authorities, the incident was linked to a plot to seize the aircraft and crash it into Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport.

Despite the attack, Captain Machchhar’s actions helped avert a potential disaster and protect the passengers on board. The recognition by the UAE leadership honoured the courage and professionalism displayed by him and the other crew members during the emergency.

Capt Machcchar praised the extraordinary effort of his crew in saving his life.

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Several other awards have been announced or proposed for him, and these should be distinguished from honours already received. Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism.