The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has honoured Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and the flydubai crew for their courage and professionalism during an in-flight emergency on September 30, when the seriously injured captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene and help avert a potential tragedy.

A proud moment for Gujarat and for every Indian! ?? Heartiest congratulations to Captain Smit Machchhar on being conferred the UAE’s prestigious Order of Zayed II (First Class). He is only the third Indian and the very first Gujarati to receive this distinguished honour. Inside the cockpit, at the moment of greatest danger, he chose duty over fear. He fought off the attacker and kept his passengers safe. Far from home, he carried Gujarat’s spirit of courage and service with pride, and today the world salutes it. Captain Smit is an inspiration to our youth: courage, calm and a sense of duty can make an ordinary moment extraordinary. Wishing him good health and many more laurels ahead.

— Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) October 28, 2026