UAE President honors flydubai pilot and crew for mid air bravery

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on flydubai crew members, including Captain Smit Machchhar, News On AIR reported. The leaders honored the crew during a ceremony attended by Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. News On AIR, WION, NDTV, and Arab News all reported that the recognition was granted for the crew's actions in protecting passengers and securing the aircraft during an in-flight incident. [1][3][4][5]

According to News On AIR, the event took place aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. Arab News characterized the incident as an attempted hijacking, while Open Magazine and WION reported that it involved a cockpit attack. The UAE leadership praised the professionalism and courage displayed by the flight crew in maintaining safety throughout the emergency. [1][2][3][4]

As HEROIC BREAKING NEWS reported earlier, Captain Machchhar opened the locked cockpit door despite suffering life-threatening injuries during the attack. His action allowed flight crew members and passengers to enter the flight deck and subdue the assailant. The flight was safely diverted and landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with no fatalities among the 174 people on board. [7][8]

The First Class Order of Zayed II represents one of the highest civilian honors awarded by the United Arab Emirates. As HEROIC BREAKING NEWS reported earlier, Captain Machchhar was also designated to receive Israel's highest civilian bravery award for his actions in saving the flight's passengers and crew. [1][7]