The UAE has awarded flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar and members of his crew the First Class Order of Zayed II, one of the country’s highest honours, in recognition of their actions during an incident aboard flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
According to accounts of the incident, Captain Machchhar was attacked inside the cockpit by his co-pilot and sustained serious injuries.
Despite being wounded, he reportedly managed to unlock the cockpit door, enabling cabin crew and passengers to enter and help restrain the alleged attacker.
The flight was subsequently diverted and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, where all passengers and crew disembarked safely.
The actions of the captain, cabin crew and passengers are credited with helping to avert a potentially serious tragedy and ensuring the safety of more than 170 people on board.
The UAE’s decision to confer the First Class Order of Zayed II recognises what authorities described as courage, professionalism and quick thinking under extraordinary circumstances.
The crew’s response has also drawn international praise following the incident.
