# UAE Honours Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar

> UAE awards First Class Order of Zayed II to Indian flydubai captain after cockpit attack saved 174 lives.
- Title: UAE Honours Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar · mint | Shortify
- Summary: UAE awards First Class Order of Zayed II to Indian flydubai captain after cockpit attack saved 174 lives. UAE granted First Class Order of Zayed II to Indian…
- Keywords: uae, flydubai, smit machchhar, captain, cockpit attack, first class order of zayed ii, 174 lives, september 30, tabuk, saudi arabia, indian prime minister, us president
- Source: mint — https://livemint.com/news/world/flydubai-captain-smit-machchhar-gets-uae-s-top-honour-how-his-courage-earned-praise-from-world-leaders-11793200381111.html
- Author: Ravi Hari
- Published: 2026-10-28T15:41:32+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: uae, flydubai, smit machchhar, captain, cockpit attack, first class order of zayed ii, 174 lives, september 30, tabuk, saudi arabia, indian prime minister, us president
## UAE Honours Indian Pilot
UAE conferred First Class Order of Zayed II on Indian flydubai captain Smit Machchhar for saving 174 lives during a cockpit attack.
## Cockpit Attack Details
Machchhar was injured by co-pilot during flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
## Captain's Actions
Despite injuries, Machchhar opened cockpit door to allow crew and passengers to intervene.
## Safe Landing
Flight diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia and landed safely after intervention.
## UAE Recognition
Dubai Crown Prince presented honour for crew's courage in protecting passengers.
## Prime Minister Modi's Praise
Modi praised Machchhar's courage and said India would welcome him back home.
## US President Trump's Comment
Trump called Machchhar a hero for opening cockpit door despite injuries.
## Israeli Prime Minister's Tribute
Netanyahu called Machchhar a hero of the entire world and invited him to Israel's Independence Day.
## Captain's Reflection
Machchhar recalled pushing through injuries to open cockpit door during attack.
## International Response
World leaders praised Machchhar for saving lives during cockpit attack.
## Key takeaway

UAE granted First Class Order of Zayed II to Indian flydubai captain Smit Machchhar for saving 174 lives during a cockpit attack on September 30.