Indian pilot and fellow crew members receive the First Class Order of Zayed II after they helped overpower a co-pilot who attacked the captain aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.
UAE President 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 for their courage in protecting passengers during an attempted mid-air attack aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.
The medals were presented by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, who commended the crew’s actions and sense of responsibility, Dubai Media Office said in a statement on Tuesday.
Machchhar and the other crew members received the honour at a presidential reception.
The incident occurred on September 30 aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 170 people on board. Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot with a crash axe, typically kept in the cockpit for use in emergencies, and suffered serious injuries. The motive for the attack remains unclear.
The co-pilot, identified by Israeli officials as an Omani national, stabbed Machchhar and sent the aircraft plunging nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar, who was covered in blood and lying on the floor, managed to draw on “the last moments of his energy” to click open the release on the cockpit door.
This allowed passengers and crew members to overpower the co-pilot. A second pair of flydubai pilots who were on board then took control and landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The Omani co-pilot was taken into custody. Machchhar was initially treated at a hospital in Tabuk before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further treatment.
The crew successfully neutralised the cockpit attack, safeguarding passengers and ensuring the aircraft’s safe landing in Saudi Arabia.
The crew members thanked the UAE President and expressed pride in receiving the honour, which reflects his recognition of the values of service, dedication and commitment, the statement said.
The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs; Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; and several other officials.
The First Class Order of Zayed II is a high-level civil decoration of the United Arab Emirates conferred by the President to honour individuals, diplomats, officials and crew members for distinguished service, courage or contributions to strengthening bilateral and international relations.
source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)