UAE honours Indian Captain Smit Machchhar for foiling mid-air cockpit attack

Mangalore Today News Network

UAE, Oct 29, 2026: The UAE has honoured Indian Captain Smit Machchhar and fellow flydubai crew members for their courage in protecting passengers during an attempted mid-air cockpit attack on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on the crew. Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the honours at a presidential reception, the Dubai Media Office said on Tuesday.

The incident occurred on September 30 aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 170 people on board.

Machchhar was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot with a crash axe, sustaining serious injuries as the aircraft plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Despite his injuries, the captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew members to overpower the co-pilot.

Two other flydubai pilots who were travelling on board subsequently took control of the aircraft and landed it safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

The co-pilot, identified by Israeli officials as an Omani national, was taken into custody. His motive for the alleged attack remains unclear.

Machchhar received initial treatment at a hospital in Tabuk before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further medical care.

The Dubai Media Office said the recognition reflected the crew’s courage, professionalism and commitment to passenger safety. The crew also expressed gratitude to the UAE President for the honour.

The ceremony was attended by senior UAE officials, including Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.

The First Class Order of Zayed II is a high-level UAE civil honour awarded in recognition of distinguished service, courage and significant contributions to the country.