Indian pilot honoured by UAE after cockpit attack on flydubai flight

The UAE praised Indian pilot Smit Machchhar and other members of the flydubai crew after they fought off a cockpit attacker on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv that put 170 lives at risk.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday, with Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presenting the awards, said Dubai Media Office.

On Sept. 30, the problem began during flydubai Flight FZ1073 when the co-pilot attacked Machchhar with an axe, leaving him in a critical condition. However, Machchhar fought back, helped by cabin crew and passengers, eventually managing to open the cockpit door which enabled the passengers, cabin crew and off-duty pilots to assist him in securing the attacker.

The plane was rerouted and successfully made a safe landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

The five crew members were commended by their senior managers and leaders for their bravery, professionalism and concern for the safety of their passengers. The crew members said they were honoured to be recognised.

Machchhar has also been praised by politicians in India, Israel and the US. Israel said that it would give a civilian bravery award to the captain after he recovers from his wounds.

The event had garnered worldwide attention on the actions of the flight crew and the passengers who thwarted a catastrophe.