Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, on Tuesday conferred Captain Smit Machchhar and the crew of the Flydubai aircraft Flight FZ1073 with the First-Class Order of Zayed II, recognizing their courage and efforts to protect passengers during a serious in-flight terror incident.
The honor was presented by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, also received the crew members on Tuesday.
On September 30, flight FZ1073, operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, following a serious incident in the flight deck. Captain Machchhar was injured, while crew members, off-duty pilots and passengers helped bring the situation under control. The aircraft landed safely, and all 172 passengers and crew were reported safe.
During the meeting, the dignitaries praised the crew’s role and courage, appreciating the high level of responsibility they demonstrated in maintaining the safety and security of the passengers, stressing that preserving human safety and security is the highest priority and ultimate value of the UAE.
While Machchhar was receiving treatment for his injuries, Sheikh Hamdan had him and praised his courage, sense of responsibility and commitment to protecting human life.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed pride in Captain Machchhar being part of the “story of our nation.”
“During a visit to Captain Smit Machchhar… the flydubai pilot who embodied the highest degrees of courage, responsibility, and care for human life. From us, and from the leadership of the nation, he has our full appreciation and praise. We are proud that he is part of our team… part of the story of our nation… and part of what the UAE stands for… a nation of compassion… a nation of peace… and a nation of life,” he wrote in a post on X.
