First images of Captain Smit Machchhar's injury show stitches on his head as UAE honours him

The United Arab Emirates honoured Indian Captain Smit Machchhar and members of his flydubai crew following an attempted mid-air attack on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. The ceremony revealed the extent of the Indian pilot's injury, showing stitches on his head. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented Machchhar and his crew with the First Class Order of Zayed II for their actions in protecting passengers during the September 30 incident.

The flydubai flight FZ1073, carrying over 170 people, was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot, an Omani national, attacked Machchhar with a crash axe. The co-pilot caused the aircraft to plummet nearly 14,000 feet in just under 30 seconds. Despite severe injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the assailant.

The aircraft was then safely landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, by two additional flydubai pilots. Machchhar was initially treated in Tabuk and then transferred to Abu Dhabi for further medical care. Crown Prince Hamdan praised Machchhar's courage and met with him in hospital, sharing photos of their meeting on social media. The UAE presidential reception honored the crew's sense of responsibility in ensuring passenger safety and maintaining security during the emergency.