On 27 October 2026, Indian-origin pilot Captain Smit Machchhar received the First-Class Order of Zayed II, described as the United Arab Emirates’ highest civilian honour. He received it alongside fellow flydubai crew members for their actions during an attack aboard Flight FZ1073 on 30 September 2026.
The First-Class Order of Zayed II
The award was conferred by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and presented by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Sheikh Hamdan is the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE. Machchhar was recognised for bravery and professionalism during the cockpit attack.
Machchhar is the third Indian recipient of the First-Class Order of Zayed II. Former Indian ambassadors Navdeep Singh Suri and Sunjay Sudhir received the honour in 2019 and 2025, respectively, for their diplomatic work.
The Flight FZ1073 incident
Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the attack occurred on 30 September 2026. The aircraft carried 172 passengers and eight crew members. Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot, an Omani national, attacked him with a crash axe, causing the aircraft to descend rapidly.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene and subdue the attacker. The aircraft was diverted safely to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, and there were no fatalities.
Commercial aviation and emergency diversion
A cockpit is the flight-deck area from which pilots control an aircraft. A diversion occurs when a flight lands at an airport other than its planned destination, including in response to an onboard emergency. Flight FZ1073 was diverted to Tabuk rather than continuing to Tel Aviv.
Captain Machchhar and other crew members received the UAE honour together. The incident drew public responses from leaders in India, the UAE, Israel and the United States.
Important Facts for Exams
- The First-Class Order of Zayed II is the UAE’s highest civilian honour.
- Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the President of the UAE.
- Flight FZ1073 travelled from Dubai to Tel Aviv before diverting to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Navdeep Singh Suri received the First-Class Order of Zayed II in 2019, and Sunjay Sudhir received it in 2025.
Flight FZ1073 carried 172 passengers and eight crew members during the incident. No fatalities occurred.
