The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has awarded the First Class Order of Zayed II to Indian captain Smit Machchhar and Fijian pilot Henson Steven, recognising their bravery during an emergency aboard flydubai flight FZ1073.
The honour, one of the UAE’s top civilian awards, was presented to the flight crew members who helped protect passengers during the September 30 terror incident involving the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight.
The UAE President received the crew members in the presence of Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The leaders praised their courage and professionalism, reaffirming that the safety and security of people remain a priority for the UAE.
The honours were presented by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, who commended the crew’s actions and sense of responsibility.
Steven, a Fijian pilot and former Fiji Airways pilot, was also travelling aboard the aircraft as a reserve pilot when the incident unfolded. According to reports, he and another pilot took control of the aircraft after the co-pilot attacked Captain Machchhar. They subsequently diverted the aircraft to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
The incident occurred aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Reports said the co-pilot attacked Machchhar in the cockpit with an axe, leaving the Indian captain seriously injured. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, enabling other crew members and passengers to intervene and restrain the attacker.
The aircraft reportedly lost altitude during the struggle, but the pilots regained control and landed safely in Saudi Arabia. All passengers and crew survived.
Machchhar received initial treatment in Tabuk before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further medical care and recovery.
UAE prosecutors said on October 9 that their investigation indicated the co-pilot intended to carry out a suicide attack inspired by the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States. Authorities reportedly described the incident as an attempted terrorist attack targeting Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport.
Machchhar’s actions drew international recognition, including praise from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The award ceremony recognised the crew members’ collective efforts to protect passengers and secure the aircraft during the emergency, highlighting the role of both the injured captain and the pilots who helped bring the flight to safety.
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