UAE Honors Flydubai Crew for Mid-Air Attack Response

On October 27, 2026, the United Arab Emirates conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on Captain Smit Machchhar and the flydubai crew members who intervened during an attempted mid-air attack on flight FZ1073. The medals were presented by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. The ceremony was attended by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and senior officials including Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

First PostWho Are The 2 Indians Who Received Top UAE Honour Before Pilot Smit Machchhar? First PostThe Indian ExpressThe HinduBefore Smit Machchhar, two Indians got top UAE honour. Who are they? UAE honours Captain Smit Machchhar for bravery during flydubai cockpit attack The Indian Express

On September 30, 2026, flydubai flight FZ1073 departed Dubai for Tel Aviv with more than 170 passengers and crew aboard. While cruising at 34,000 feet, the Omani co-pilot, identified by Israeli officials as Hamam al-Hammami, attacked Captain Machchhar with a cockpit crash axe. The assault forced the aircraft into a rapid nosedive, dropping nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Despite multiple stab wounds, a depressed skull fracture, and heavy blood loss, Captain Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and off-duty pilots to enter, restrain the attacker, and regain control of the plane. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. All occupants survived.

First PostJiu-jitsu once you recover: Capt Smit's head stitches catch UAE president's eye The HinduFirst PostUAE Honours Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar With First-Class Order Of Zayed II For Bravery During Mid-Air Attack On Flight FZ1073 | Video UAE President Honours flydubai Hero Captain, Crew For Courageous Actions

• Aircraft: Boeing 737 MAX

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• Passengers: 174 (majority Israeli)

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• Altitude loss: ~14,000 feet in <30 seconds (some reports note a plunge of more than 17,000 feet)

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• Injuries to Captain Machchhar: multiple stab wounds, a fractured skull, and a left-arm sling; additional injuries to his hands, legs, chest and upper abdomen were reported. He received emergency treatment in Tabuk before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for reconstructive surgery.

Jiu-jitsu once you recover: Capt Smit's head stitches catch UAE president's eye

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the United States also issued commendations, with Israel announcing a forthcoming civilian bravery award for Captain Machchhar.

Jiu-jitsu once you recover: Capt Smit's head stitches catch UAE president's eye

• “From us, and from the leadership of the nation, he has our full appreciation and praise.” — Sheikh Hamdan

UAE Honours Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar With First-Class Order Of Zayed II For Bravery During Mid-Air Attack On Flight FZ1073 | Video

The First Class Order of Zayed II is a high-level civilian decoration traditionally awarded to foreign diplomats and senior officials. Captain Machchhar is the third Indian recipient, following ambassadors Navdeep Singh Suri (2019) and Sunjay Sudhir (2025), whose awards recognized diplomatic contributions. Machchhar’s decoration marks the first time the honor has been granted for extraordinary bravery in an aviation emergency, highlighting the UAE’s emphasis on public safety and the vital role of airline crews in crisis situations.

Before Smit Machchhar, two Indians got top UAE honour. Who are they?

The public acknowledgment also underscores the collaborative security framework among the UAE, India, and Israel, reinforcing bilateral ties and showcasing the contributions of Indian professionals within the UAE’s aviation sector.

Before Smit Machchhar, two Indians got top UAE honour. Who are they?

• September 30, 2026: Attack on flight FZ1073; aircraft diverted to Tabuk.

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• October 3, 2026: Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan visits Captain Machchhar during treatment.

UAE honours Captain Smit Machchhar for bravery during flydubai cockpit attack

• October 27, 2026: President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed confers the First Class Order of Zayed II on the crew.

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• October 28, 2026: Video of the President’s interaction with Captain Machchhar circulates online, showing the President ask, “When will you heal?” and proposing a future jiu-jitsu training session.

Jiu-jitsu once you recover: Capt Smit's head stitches catch UAE president's eye