Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has honoured Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and fellow flydubai crew members with the First Class Order of Zayed II for their courage and efforts to protect passengers during a serious in-flight incident on September 30, 2026.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the honour in recognition of the crew’s courage and professionalism. The ceremony took place in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The awards were presented by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
The recognition highlights the actions of the flight crew during an emergency aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The incident placed those on board at serious risk, but the aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely.
Captain Machchhar’s actions during the emergency
The incident occurred on September 30 aboard flight FZ1073. According to reports on the incident, the Indian captain sustained serious injuries during a confrontation in the cockpit.
Despite being injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing other crew members and passengers to intervene. Two additional flydubai pilots who were travelling on board subsequently took control of the aircraft, which was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely.
The actions of the captain, crew members and passengers helped bring the emergency under control. The incident has since drawn recognition from officials in the UAE, India and Israel.
UAE leadership recognises crew’s professionalism
The UAE leadership praised the crew’s courage, professionalism and sense of responsibility in safeguarding passengers and securing the aircraft.
The crew members expressed gratitude to the UAE President and said they were proud to receive the national honour. The ceremony also highlighted the importance of service, dedication and commitment in protecting human life during emergencies.
The recognition followed an earlier commendation by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, which acknowledged the swift response of Captain Machchhar, the flight crew and passengers who helped contain the situation.
Indian pilot receives international recognition
Captain Machchhar’s actions have attracted international attention, with leaders and officials acknowledging his role during the emergency.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously praised the captain’s courage following the incident. The recognition from the UAE adds to the international tributes paid to those who helped protect the passengers and crew.
The episode also underscores the importance of crew preparedness, coordinated emergency responses and the ability to act decisively under extreme pressure.
A tribute to courage and passenger safety
The First Class Order of Zayed II recognises the flydubai crew’s actions during an incident that could have had serious consequences. By honouring the team, the UAE has acknowledged the responsibility and professionalism demonstrated in protecting passengers.
For Captain Machchhar, the recognition marks a significant moment following the September emergency. The honour also acknowledges the collective efforts of the crew members who worked to secure the aircraft and ensure a safe landing.
The incident remains a reminder of the critical role aviation professionals play in passenger safety and the importance of teamwork when responding to unexpected emergencies.