A massive line of stitches running across the back of Captain Smit Machchhar’s head has brought the severity of the Indian pilot’s injuries into focus as he received a prestigious UAE honour for his role in thwarting the mid-air cockpit attack.Far-right UK leader Tommy Robinson shared a photograph of the scar on social media, praising Machchhar for his bravery. “Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear battle scars. Hero Indian Captain Smit Machchhar. The world salutes you,” Robinson wrote.The Indian captain and his fellow flydubai crew members were conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in recognition of their efforts to protect passengers during the September 30 incident aboard flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.The medals were presented by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at a presidential reception. The UAE leadership praised the crew for their courage, professionalism and commitment to passenger safety.Machchhar was seriously injured when his co-pilot allegedly attacked him with a crash axe and stabbed him inside the cockpit. The aircraft, carrying more than 170 people, reportedly plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds during the incident.Despite being covered in blood and severely wounded, Machchhar managed to release the cockpit door lock, allowing passengers and crew members to overpower the co-pilot. Two other flydubai pilots who were travelling on board then took control of the aircraft and landed it safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
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The motive behind the alleged attack remains unclear. The co-pilot, identified by Israeli officials as an Omani national, was taken into custody.Machchhar was initially treated at a hospital in Tabuk before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further treatment. Sheikh Hamdan had earlier visited him in hospital and praised his courage in helping avert a potential tragedy.The First Class Order of Zayed II is a high-level UAE civil decoration awarded in recognition of distinguished service and exceptional contributions. The honour recognises the crew’s actions in protecting the lives of those aboard the aircraft.
