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Indian Pilot Captain Smit Machchar Receives UAE’s Prestigious Honour
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar receives the UAE’s First Class Order of Zayed II after a violent mid-air attack.
“When Will You Heal?” UAE President’s Heartwarming Moment With Indian Pilot
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has received a prestigious honour from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for his courage during a dangerous mid-air attack.
On 27 October 2026, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on Machchhar and other Flydubai crew members involved in the incident. The honour recognised their courage and efforts to protect passengers during the emergency.
However, a moment from the ceremony also caught public attention. The UAE President spoke with the injured captain about his recovery and jokingly offered to train him in combat once he healed.
What Happened Aboard the Flydubai Flight?
On 30 September 2026, Captain Machchhar was operating a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv when his co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, attacked him with a cockpit crash axe. According to UAE authorities, the co-pilot attempted to take control of the aircraft as part of an alleged plan to crash it in Israel.
Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door. This allowed cabin crew members and passengers to intervene and help restrain the attacker. The aircraft eventually landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All those on board survived. Machchhar suffered serious head injuries and an arm injury and required medical treatment.
UAE President’s Heartwarming Conversation With the Pilot
During the award ceremony, the UAE President noticed Machchhar’s head injuries and stitches. The captain’s injured arm was also supported in a sling.
In a video of their interaction, the President asked when Machchhar expected to recover. “Maybe two months,” the captain replied. The President then suggested that once Machchhar had healed, they should have a session in which he could teach the pilot how to fight. The two shared a laugh.
Machchhar described receiving the honour as his biggest honour. He also expressed his gratitude to the UAE and spoke warmly about the crew’s connection with the country. The President reassured the crew that the UAE was their home and that they had a family there.
Why Did the UAE Honour Captain Smit Machchhar?
The First Class Order of Zayed II was awarded to Machchhar and fellow Flydubai crew members in recognition of their courage and professionalism during the emergency.
The honours were presented by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, on behalf of the UAE President. The award is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding president.
Who Received the Same Honour Before Him?
Two former Indian ambassadors to the UAE, Navdeep Singh Suri and Sunjay Sudhir, also received the First Class Order of Zayed II. Suri received the honour in 2019 for his contribution to strengthening relations between India and the UAE. Sudhir received it in 2025 for his work in advancing cooperation between the two countries.
Their awards recognised diplomatic service, while Machchhar was honoured for his actions during a life-threatening aviation emergency.
Is This the UAE’s Highest Civilian Honour?
The First Class Order of Zayed II is a prestigious UAE state decoration. However, it is different from the Order of Zayed, which is the UAE’s highest civilian honour.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Order of Zayed in 2019 for his contribution to strengthening relations between India and the UAE. Captain Machchhar’s recognition highlights the importance of courage, quick thinking and teamwork during an emergency.
His actions helped the crew and passengers respond to a dangerous situation, while the UAE’s award recognised the efforts made to protect everyone on board.