Captain Smit Machchhar, flydubai crew honoured by UAE President for mid-air heroism

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan honored the flydubai crew involved in the September 30 in-flight incident during a ceremony attended by senior officials. The crew, including Machchhar Smit, captain of flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was praised for their courageous actions and sense of responsibility in ensuring passenger safety and securing the aircraft when the flight was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Their Highnesses Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, commended the crew and reaffirmed that protecting people's safety and security remains a top priority for the UAE. The First Class Order of Zayed II, an award for distinguished service, was presented to Machchhar Smit by Sheikh Hamdan, reflecting the values of service, dedication, and commitment demonstrated by the crew.