A flydubai crew subdued a co-pilot after he attacked Captain Smit Machchhar during flight FZ1073. The UAE honour recognises their courage in protecting more than 170 people.Image used for representational purposes onlyDubai,Oct 28, 2026 09:38 ISTUAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on Indian captain Smit Machchhar and other flydubai crew members for protecting passengers during an attempted mid-air attack on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, news agency Press Trust of India reported.The crew members were honoured for overpowering the attacker and ensuring the aircraft, which had more than 170 people on board, landed safely in Saudi Arabia.The medals were presented at a presidential reception by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
He praised the crew's actions and sense of responsibility, the Dubai Media Office said in a statement on Tuesday.The incident took place on September 30 aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot with a crash axe, which is kept in the cockpit for emergencies, and was seriously injured.
The motive for the attack remains unclear. The co-pilot, identified by Israeli officials as an Omani national, stabbed Machchhar and sent the aircraft plunging nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds, according to Press Trust of India.Despite lying on the floor covered in blood, Machchhar drew on what were described as “the last moments of his energy” to release the cockpit door.
This allowed passengers and crew members to overpower the co-pilot and enabled a second pair of flydubai pilots who were on board to land the aircraft in Tabuk. The Omani co-pilot was taken into custody.
Machchhar was initially treated at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further treatment.The crew members thanked the UAE President and said they were proud to receive the honour, which reflected his recognition of the values of service, dedication and commitment, the Dubai Media Office statement said.The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs; Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; and several officials.The First Class Order of Zayed II is a high-level civil decoration conferred by the UAE President on individuals, diplomats, officials and crew members for distinguished service, courage or contributions to strengthening bilateral and international relations. Machchhar and the flydubai crew received the honour for stopping the cockpit attack, protecting the passengers and helping ensure the aircraft's safe landing.With PTI Inputs- Ends