The flydubai pilot who refused to black out on flight FZ1073 is now being thanked by governments on three continents. Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, was seriously hurt in the cockpit on 30 September while commanding the Dubai–Tel Aviv service. Drifting in and out of consciousness, he still managed to unlock the cockpit door so that crew and passengers could step in. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia and landed safely.
The UAE Honours The Crew
A Hero Honoured Beyond Borders! 🇮🇳
Heartiest congratulations to Captain Smit Machchhar and the flydubai crew on being conferred the prestigious First Class Order of Zayed II by UAE President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The honours were presented by Crown Prince H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.
A proud moment for Mumbai and the entire nation indeed!
@captindiia
#IndiaUAE #Bravery— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) October 28, 2026
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on the flydubai crew involved. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, presented the honours. The crew was also received on Tuesday, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, present. Sheikh Hamdan had already visited the captain on 3 October, describing his conduct as a model of courage and care for human life.
India, Israel And The US Respond
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the pilot a “hero” and wished him a swift recovery. Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Captain Machchhar will receive the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism once he is well enough and has already presented the same award to six Israeli passengers who helped restrain the attacker. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went a step further, inviting the captain to Israel as a guest of honour.
In Washington, President Donald Trump praised him for opening the door in such a condition. House Resolution 1612 also commends the pilots, cabin crew and passengers and calls for a full and swift investigation.
Also Read: Israel To Honour Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar; 2 Other Indian Awards Announced For His Bravery
Prayers In Abu Dhabi
Away from the official ceremonies, the UAE community has been showing up as well. Swamis and devotees at Abu Dhabi’s BAPS Hindu Mandir gathered for prayers and devotional songs, wishing the captain a full recovery and strength for his family.
Israel’s award will be presented only after he recovers, so more recognition may well follow.
Cover Image Courtesy: Devendra Fadnavis/X
FAQs
What honour has the UAE given the flydubai crew?
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on the crew involved. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, presented the honours.
Who is Captain Smit Machchhar?
He is an Indian pilot with flydubai. He was commanding flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on 30 September when he was seriously injured in the cockpit. He still unlocked the door so crew and passengers could help.
