The flydubai pilot who would not give up during flight FZ1073 is now being thanked by leaders across three continents. His name is Captain Smit Machchhar, and he is an Indian national. On 30 September, he was commanding the Dubai to Tel Aviv flight when he was seriously hurt in the cockpit.
He kept drifting in and out of consciousness, yet he still found the strength to unlock the cockpit door. That one act let crew members and passengers step in and help. The aircraft was then diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, and it landed safely. If you want the full story of that day, you can read how the flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia amid a hijack alert.
The UAE Honours the Crew
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has given the First Class Order of Zayed II to the flydubai crew involved in the incident. Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the honours.
The crew was also received on Tuesday, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, present. Sheikh Hamdan had already visited the captain on 3 October. He described the pilot’s actions as a model of courage and care for human life.
Maharashtra leader Devendra Fadnavis also shared his joy on X. He called it a proud moment for Mumbai and the whole nation.
India, Israel and the US Respond
The praise did not stop in the UAE. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the pilot a hero and wished him a fast recovery.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Captain Machchhar will receive the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism once he is well enough. Herzog has already given the same award to six Israeli passengers who helped hold back the attacker. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went one step further and invited the captain to Israel as a guest of honour.
In Washington, President Donald Trump praised the pilot for opening the door in such a condition. House Resolution 1612 also thanks the pilots, cabin crew and passengers, and it asks for a full and quick investigation.
| Who | What they did |
|---|---|
| UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed | Gave the First Class Order of Zayed II to the crew |
| Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed | Presented the honours and visited the captain on 3 October |
| Narendra Modi | Called the pilot a hero and wished him a quick recovery |
| Isaac Herzog | Announced the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism |
| Benjamin Netanyahu | Invited the captain to Israel as a guest of honour |
| US House of Representatives | Passed a resolution, H.Res. 1612, commending the crew and passengers |
Prayers in Abu Dhabi
Not every tribute came from a podium. Swamis and devotees gathered at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi for prayers and devotional songs. They asked for a full recovery for the captain and strength for his family. It was a quiet, heartfelt moment, and it showed how many people in the UAE community have been thinking about him.
Why This Story Matters
When a situation turns scary at 30,000 feet, a few people usually decide how things end. In this case, a pilot who was badly hurt chose to push through the pain and open a door. That choice helped bring a tense flight to a safe landing.
It also shows how one act of courage can bring different countries together. Leaders from the UAE, India, Israel and the US all spoke about the same man in kind words.
The investigation into the incident is still going on, so more details may come out in the coming weeks. For now, the focus is on the captain’s health. Israel will present its award only after he recovers, which means more recognition could still be on the way.
Many people will be hoping to see Captain Machchhar back on his feet soon.