Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Oct 29: Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who arrived with stitches across his head and his left arm in a sling, was honoured by the United Arab Emirates for his courage in helping avert a suspected terror incident aboard a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv. However, his warm and playful exchange with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the ceremony captured widespread attention online.
The UAE President conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on Machchhar and his fellow flydubai crew members in recognition of their courage, professionalism and commitment to passenger safety.
During their meeting, Machchhar hugged the President and said, “It's my honour, Your Highness.” The President noticed the stitches on the pilot’s head and enquired about his recovery. When asked how long he would take to heal, Machchhar replied that it could take around two months.
The President then jokingly said, “So I have an idea. When you heal, I want to have a session with you to train you how to fight.” The remark prompted laughter from both, with Machchhar responding, “It's my biggest honour,” while placing a hand on his heart.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also reassured the flydubai crew and passengers of the UAE’s support, describing them as family and saying they would always have a home in the country.
Machchhar sustained serious injuries during an attack in the cockpit, allegedly carried out by his co-pilot, Hamam Al Hammami, who struck him with a cockpit crash axe. The pilot suffered a compound depressed skull fracture.
Commercial aircraft are required under international aviation regulations to carry crash axes for emergency situations. Following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, such axes were moved from the main cabin to the cockpit.
The awards were presented by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. He commended the crew for their responsibility, professionalism and dedication to duty.
The ceremony was attended by several senior 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, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.
Flydubai Flight FZ 1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 170 passengers, including 24 children, when the incident occurred. After Machchhar was struck with the axe, the aircraft reportedly plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.
The crew’s response during the incident was recognised at the ceremony, while Machchhar’s appearance despite his visible injuries highlighted the personal toll of the ordeal.