flydubai crew honoured by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have received the First Class Order of Zayed II for their courageous response to the September 30 attack aboard flight FZ1073.
Indian Captain Smit Machchhar and his fellow crew members were recognised for helping protect passengers during the Dubai–Tel Aviv flight, which diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, presented the awards on October 27.
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Why Were the flydubai Crew Honoured?
The UAE President recognised the crew’s courage, professionalism and efforts to safeguard passengers during the emergency.
Sheikh Mohamed also received the crew in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
The latest ceremony brings formal recognition to the team almost a month after the incident. It is a new development in the story of their response—not a report of another attack.
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What Is the First Class Order of Zayed II?
The First Class Order of Zayed II is an official UAE state honour conferred by the President. It is national recognition, rather than an award issued by the airline.
The word “Order” refers to an honour, while “First Class” identifies its grade. The Roman numeral “II” forms part of the award’s name; it does not mean the crew received a second-class award.
The honour is not limited to aviation or acts of bravery. UAE authorities have also awarded it to Emirati and foreign ambassadors in recognition of distinguished service and contributions to international relations.
For the flydubai crew, the stated reason was their courage and responsibility in protecting passengers during the September incident.
What Happened on Flight FZ1073?
The aircraft was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when Captain Machchhar was attacked in the cockpit, according to reporting carried by Indian media.
The captain sustained serious injuries. Crew members and passengers intervened to bring the situation under control, while two other flydubai pilots travelling aboard helped ensure the aircraft landed safely in Tabuk.
The safe outcome involved a collective response: the captain, crew, additional pilots and passengers all played a part.
The presidential announcements released on October 27 recognise the crew’s actions. They do not announce a new investigation finding.
Who Is Captain Smit Machchhar?
Machchhar is the Indian captain who was commanding flight FZ1073 when the incident occurred.
His injuries and response drew international attention. According to Gulf News, Sheikh Hamdan visited him during his recovery on October 3 and praised his courage and commitment to protecting human life.
The latest awards recognise both the captain and his fellow crew members, keeping the focus on the wider team’s contribution to passenger safety.
Recognition for a Collective Response
Sheikh Hamdan commended the recipients’ professionalism and sense of responsibility as he presented the honours.
The crew expressed their appreciation for the recognition. Senior officials attending included Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports.
For readers following the incident, the ceremony marks a clear new chapter: formal acknowledgement by the UAE leadership of the people who helped bring an emergency flight to a safe conclusion.
Sources: Dubai Government Media Office
