The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, embraced Indian captain Smit Machar and honored him and his FlyDubai crew members with the prestigious Order of First Class of Zayed II for their bravery during the September 30 attack on flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Machahar was seriously injured when his co-pilot attacked him with an axe, causing the plane to dive nearly 14,000 feet in 30 seconds. Despite his injuries, the captain was able to open the cockpit door, allowing the passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. Other pilots then landed the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, saving more than 170 people. The medals were awarded by Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan at a presidential reception on October 27.

The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, embraced Indian captain Smit Machar and honored him and his FlyDubai crew members with the prestigious Order of First Class of Zayed II for their bravery during the September 30 attack on flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Machahar was seriously injured when his co-pilot attacked him with an axe, causing the plane to dive nearly 14,000 feet in 30 seconds. Despite his injuries, the captain was able to open the cockpit door, allowing the passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. Other pilots then landed the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, saving more than 170 people. The medals were awarded by Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan at a presidential reception on October 27.