UAE President's Heartwarming Exchange with Injured Pilot Smit Machchhar Captivates the Internet

10/29/2026

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on Captain Machchhar and fellow crew members.

10/29/2026

During a ceremony honoring the flydubai crew, UAE president joked that he wanted to teach captain Smit Machchhar how to fight once he had healed.

10/29/2026

Visuals from the ceremony showed staples and stitches across Machchhar’s scalp, underscoring the severity of his injuries.

10/29/2026

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred Captain Smit Machchhar with the First Class Order of Zayed II.

10/28/2026

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on Indian Captain Smit Machchhar and fellow flydubai crew members in recognition of...

10/28/2026

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar and fellow flydubai crew members have received the UAE’s First Class Order of Zayed II for their bravery during a September in-flight incident, in which their actions...

10/28/2026

The medals were presented by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence

10/28/2026

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan honoured Captain Smit Machchhar and his flydubai crew for protecting passengers during the September 30 attack.

10/28/2026

Smit Machchhar and his fellow flydubai crew members were awarded the First Class Order of Zayed II, a high-level UAE civilian honour.

10/28/2026

Israel has also announced a civilian bravery award for the Indian captain, which is expected to be presented after he recovers from his injuries.

10/28/2026

The crew members received the First Class Order of Zayed II for their courageous efforts to protect passengers after a co-pilot attacked the Indian captain aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight