Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar receives UAE’s top honour for bravery in flight emergency
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Dubai: An Indian pilot has been recognised by the United Arab Emirates for his extraordinary courage after a mid-flight emergency aboard a flydubai aircraft nearly turned into a major tragedy. Captain Smit Machchhar, who was seriously injured during the September 30 cockpit incident, still managed to open the cockpit door, allowing cabin crew and passengers to step in and bring the situation under control.
The UAE has now conferred its First Class Order of Zayed II on Captain Machchhar and the flight crew, honouring their bravery, professionalism, and determination to protect everyone on board.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented the honour to the crew members involved in the emergency. The recognition highlights their role in safeguarding passengers and maintaining control of the aircraft during a highly dangerous situation.
The award was presented by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of Dubai’s Executive Council.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, joined by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, also met the crew on Tuesday to personally acknowledge their actions.
Captain Machchhar’s actions have earned admiration well beyond the UAE. Leaders and officials in India, Israel, and the United States have praised his composure and sense of duty during the crisis.
Israel has also decided to confer a civilian bravery award on the Indian captain. The honour will be presented once he has recovered from the injuries he suffered during the incident.
Earlier this month, Sheikh Hamdan visited Captain Machchhar in hospital while he was undergoing treatment. The Crown Prince praised the pilot for remaining calm and responsible despite the severity of the emergency.
“From us, and from the leadership of the nation, he has our full appreciation and praise,” Sheikh Hamdan said in a social media post.
He added that the UAE was proud to count Machchhar among those connected to the country, describing it as “a nation of compassion … a nation of peace … and a nation of life.”
The recognition follows a separate commendation from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, which praised Captain Machchhar, the flight crew, and the passengers who helped control the cockpit emergency.
Officials said the collective response prevented the situation from escalating into a potentially serious tragedy and demonstrated the importance of courage and teamwork in aviation safety.
(Inputs from IANS)