UAE Honours Indian Captain Smit Machchhar for Courage During Mid-Air Attack

New Delhi, 28 October 2026 The United Arab Emirates has honoured Indian Captain Smit Machchhar and fellow flydubai crew members for their efforts to protect passengers during an attempted mid-air attack on a flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The recognition highlights the importance of the crew’s role in ensuring passenger safety during critical situations. UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on Captain Machchhar and the other crew members in recognition of their courageous efforts. 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, during a presidential reception. According to a statement issued by the Dubai Media Office on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Sheikh Hamdan commended the crew for their actions and sense of responsibility. The honour acknowledged their response during the incident and their efforts to safeguard those travelling on board the aircraft. 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. The recognition of Captain Machchhar and his colleagues brings attention to the responsibility and courage demonstrated by aviation crew members when passenger safety is at stake.