UAE President Offers to Train Injured Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan shared a lighthearted moment with Indian pilot Smit Machchhar while honouring him for his bravery during a mid-air incident aboard a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv. During the interaction, the President offered to train the injured captain in fighting once he had recovered, prompting a laugh between the two.

The UAE President awarded the First Class Order of Zayed II to Machchhar and the flight crew in recognition of their bravery during the September 30 incident. The ceremony highlighted the crew’s actions during a serious cockpit attack that left the Indian captain injured.

During their conversation, Sheikh Mohamed asked Machchhar about his recovery and how long his injuries would take to heal. He then made a surprising suggestion about arranging a training session once the pilot was well again.

“So I have an idea. When you heal, I want to have a session with you to train you how to fight,” the UAE President said.

Machchhar responded warmly, saying, “It’s my biggest honour.” The exchange ended with the two sharing a laugh, creating a lighter moment during a ceremony recognising the crew’s bravery.

UAE President Examines Smit Machchhar’s Head Injury

During the interaction, Sheikh Mohamed was seen examining Machchhar’s head injury and the stitches resulting from the incident. The President also spoke with the pilot in a friendly manner, with footage showing them chatting and laughing together.

The exchange reflected the personal nature of the meeting as the UAE leader recognised the crew members following the serious incident. While the ceremony focused on their bravery, the conversation also highlighted the President’s concern for Machchhar’s recovery.

The award was presented to Machchhar and the crew in recognition of their conduct during the September 30 flight. The incident had placed the flight crew in a challenging situation after the captain was attacked inside the cockpit.

‘UAE Is Your Country’: President Reassures the Crew

During the award ceremony, Sheikh Mohamed also reassured the crew that the UAE would remain their home, regardless of what happened in their lives.

“There is a home for you here, and you have a family,” the President told them.

He conveyed a message of belonging and support, assuring the crew that they would continue to have a place in the UAE. The remarks accompanied the recognition of their bravery during the flight incident.

Several senior officials attended the ceremony, including Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum was also present. He serves as president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Dubai Airports, and chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group. Other officials also attended the event, according to an earlier report by Hindustan Times.

Why Smit Machchhar Received the First Class Order of Zayed II

The First Class Order of Zayed II was awarded to flydubai captain Smit Machchhar and the crew in recognition of their bravery during the September 30 flight bound for Tel Aviv.

The recognition followed an incident in which Machchhar suffered serious injuries after being attacked in the cockpit. The award ceremony brought attention to the circumstances faced by the crew and the captain’s subsequent treatment.

The President’s interaction with Machchhar also drew attention because of its personal and informal tone. Rather than limiting the meeting to the presentation of the honour, Sheikh Mohamed asked about the pilot’s injuries and spoke about meeting him for a training session after his recovery.

Smit Machchhar Injured in Cockpit Attack on Flydubai Flight

Machchhar was captain of flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 170 people on board when the incident occurred.

According to the account provided, Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot with a crash axe, an emergency tool typically kept in the cockpit. The assault left the captain seriously injured. The motive behind the attack remained unclear in the available account.

Israeli officials identified the co-pilot as an Omani national. The co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar, and the aircraft reportedly plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds during the incident.

The co-pilot was taken into custody following the incident. The account did not establish a motive for the alleged attack.

Captain Receives Medical Treatment After the Incident

Following the cockpit attack, Machchhar received initial medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk. He was subsequently transferred to Abu Dhabi for further medical care.

The UAE President’s conversation with the pilot focused partly on his recovery. By asking how long the injuries would take to heal and suggesting a future training session, Sheikh Mohamed acknowledged the captain’s condition while maintaining a friendly tone.

The visible stitches on Machchhar’s head were also examined during their interaction. The meeting offered a glimpse of the pilot following the incident that had left him seriously injured.

A Moment of Humour During a Ceremony Honouring Bravery

The exchange between Sheikh Mohamed and Machchhar stood out during a ceremony recognising the actions of the flydubai crew. The President’s offer to teach the pilot how to fight, once he had recovered, prompted a humorous response and a shared laugh.

The interaction took place against the backdrop of a serious aviation incident involving an alleged attack inside the cockpit. Machchhar’s injuries and the reported rapid loss of altitude made the circumstances of the flight particularly concerning.

Alongside the presentation of the First Class Order of Zayed II, the President’s reassurance that the UAE would remain a home for the crew added a personal dimension to the ceremony.

Conclusion

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan honoured Indian pilot Smit Machchhar and the flydubai crew for their bravery during the September 30 flight incident. The ceremony also featured a lighthearted exchange in which the President offered to train Machchhar in fighting after his injuries healed.

The meeting came after Machchhar was seriously injured in an alleged cockpit attack aboard flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 170 people on board. Following initial treatment in Tabuk, he was transferred to Abu Dhabi for further medical care.

By recognising the crew and reassuring them that the UAE would remain their home, Sheikh Mohamed combined formal recognition of their bravery with a personal message of support for the injured captain and his colleagues.