Dubai pilot honored after stopping hijacking attempt mid-flight

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who commanded the Fly Dubai flight attacked mid-air during a September flight to Israel, appeared this week at an official ceremony in Abu Dhabi with the scars from his injuries still visible. Nearly a month after the incident in which the co-pilot attempted to seize control of the aircraft and fly it toward Israel, Machchhar received an award of recognition alongside the crew members who helped prevent a major disaster.

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan awarded the captain and crew the First Class Order of Zayed, one of the country's highest civilian honors. The medals were presented by Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. The ceremony, held October 27 in Abu Dhabi, was attended by senior Emirati leadership.

Photographs released from the event showed the injury marks on the captain's head, including stitches and medical staples that remained following the severe blow he sustained. Machchhar was wounded after the co-pilot attacked him with an emergency axe in the cockpit during Fly Dubai flight 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.

With visible scars: The pilot received an award from the UAE president (Photo: Social media)

During the attack, the aircraft plunged rapidly, losing approximately 17,000 feet of altitude in less than a minute. Despite his injuries, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, a move that allowed crew members and Israeli passengers to intervene, overpower the attacker, and prevent him from continuing his attempt to take control of the plane.

There were 174 people aboard the aircraft. After subduing the co-pilot, additional pilots who were traveling as passengers managed to land the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Macher was evacuated for medical treatment at a hospital in the city and later transferred for continued care in Abu Dhabi.

The pilot received an award from the UAE president (Photo: Arab media)

According to reports, an investigation by Emirati authorities revealed that the Omani co-pilot attempted to carry out an attack and cause the plane to crash at Ben Gurion Airport. He admitted during interrogation that he was influenced by the September 11, 2001 attacks.

During the ceremony, Emirati leaders praised the courage of the crew members and the responsibility they demonstrated in protecting the lives of the passengers. The medal awarded to them was intended to recognize their extraordinary actions and their contribution to saving the lives of hundreds of people from an aviation disaster.