UAE Honours Captain Smit Machchhar and flydubai Crew for Courage During In-Flight Incident

On 30th September 2026, President of the UAE awarded Captain Smit Machchhar and other crew members of flydubai with the First Class Order of Zayed II for their courage during this in-flight security incident. The attention to duty and their actions to save the lives of passengers on board flight FZ 1073, from Dubai to Tel Aviv, has been recognised for their professional and exceptional work.

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UAE Honours Captain Smit Machchhar for Bravery

The award honours Captain Machchhar’s efforts in the emergency situation while he suffered serious injuries. By taking action, he was able to warn other people of danger and allow the crew and passengers to react to the event in the cockpit, avoiding further damage to the aircraft.

UAE Honours flydubai Crew With State Award

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence presented the First Class Order of Zayed II formally. Sheikh Hamdan commended the captain and crew for their responsibleness, coolness under pressure and commitment to keeping all passengers safe.

UAE Honours Flight Crew After September Incident

The accident happened on 30th September on the flydubai flight FZ 1073 in the cockpit, the co-pilot is believed to have attacked the captain. Aviation staff and passengers, including persons that had aviation experience, intervened and managed to subdue the attacker and stabilise the situation.

UAE Honours Courage and Professionalism in Aviation

Senior officials such as Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum attended the ceremony. A recognition for “entry and coordinated action and coordination of crew members and passengers during the occurrence of serious aviation emergencies.

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