The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has conferred the First-Class Order of Zayed II on Indian Captain Smit Machchhar and the crew of flydubai flight FZ1073, recognising their courage in protecting passengers during a serious in-flight incident, according to a statement issued by the Dubai Media Office on Tuesday. The medals were presented by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
Source: DevDiscourse (Dubai Media Office statement)
Sheikh Mohamed also received the crew members on Tuesday in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The leaders praised the crew's responsibility and commitment to passenger safety, stressing that preserving human safety is the highest priority, the statement said.
Source: DevDiscourse (Dubai Media Office statement)
The incident took place on September 30 aboard flight FZ1073, operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to reports, Captain Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot with a crash axe, an emergency tool kept in the cockpit, and was seriously injured. The motive for the attack remains unclear in the reports.
Source: Mirror Now
Despite his injuries, Captain Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing cabin crew, off-duty pilots travelling on board and passengers to intervene and bring the situation under control. The flight was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely, and all 172 passengers and crew on board were reported safe.
Source: Mirror Now
Captain Machchhar was first treated at a hospital in Tabuk before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further care. While he was receiving treatment, Sheikh Hamdan visited him in hospital and praised his courage, sense of responsibility and commitment to protecting human life.
Source: Madhyamam