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UAE President Honors Pilot Attacked Mid-Flight
29 Oct
Summary
- President awarded First Class Order of Zayed II to the flydubai captain and crew.
- Captain Smit Machhchar was seriously injured by his co-pilot on a flight to Tel Aviv.
- President assured the crew that the UAE will always be their home and family.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has bestowed the First Class Order of Zayed II upon flydubai captain Smit Machhchar and his crew. This prestigious award recognizes their courage during an incident on a flight bound for Tel Aviv. The captain sustained serious injuries from an attack by the co-pilot aboard flight FZ1073, which was carrying over 170 passengers.
During the award ceremony, President Al Nahyan personally interacted with Captain Machhchar, inquiring about his recovery and even offering to train him in self-defense. The President conveyed a message of solidarity to the crew, assuring them that the United Arab Emirates would always be their home and a place they could call family.
The co-pilot, identified as an Omani national, allegedly stabbed Machhchar, causing the aircraft to rapidly descend. Machhchar received initial treatment in Tabuk before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further care. The motive behind the co-pilot's actions remains under investigation.
