Abu Dhabi: Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who helped avert a suspected mid-air attack aboard a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flydubai flight, has received the UAE’s First Class Order of Zayed II alongside fellow crew members.
However, the long line of stitches on his head and a warm exchange with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have drawn widespread attention.
During the ceremony, held on October 27 and highlighted in reports on October 28, the president inspected Machchhar’s injuries and asked when he expected to recover.
The 38-year-old captain, whose left arm remained in a sling, replied that it could take around two months.
The president then offered to train him in jiu-jitsu once he had recovered, prompting laughter and a warm embrace. He also assured the crew that the UAE would remain their home and that they would always have a family there.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed jokes about teaching flydubai crew member Smit Machchhar jiu-jitsu once he recovers from his injuries
#UAE #SheikhMohamed #SmitMachchhar #flydubai #JiuJitsu #Aviation #UAENews https://t.co/bmh6aoL3sy
— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) October 29, 2026
On September 30, Machchhar was attacked with a cockpit crash axe by his Omani co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, aboard a flight carrying 174 passengers.
Despite suffering a serious skull fracture and other injuries, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members, passengers and off-duty pilots to intervene. The aircraft subsequently landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
UAE authorities later described the incident as an alleged terrorist plot inspired by the September 11 attacks. The honour recognises the crew’s courage and efforts to protect passengers during the emergency.
