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IN PHOTOS: UAE honours Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for courage during flydubai cockpit emergency

Updated On: 28 October, 2026 06:46 PM IST | Divya Nair

The UAE on Wednesday honoured Indian flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar and crew members for their courage during a September 30 cockpit emergency. The recognition follows praise for their efforts to protect passengers and help prevent the situation from escalating into a potentially serious tragedy. PICS/PTI

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Deputy PM of the UAE Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum confers the First Class Order of Zayed II upon the flydubai crew members, including Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, in Dubai. PIC/X
Deputy PM of the UAE Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum confers the First Class Order of Zayed II upon the flydubai crew members, including Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, in Dubai. PIC/X
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The recognition comes amid widespread international appreciation for Machchhar, whose actions have drawn praise from leaders in India, the UAE, Israel and the United States
The recognition comes amid widespread international appreciation for Machchhar, whose actions have drawn praise from leaders in India, the UAE, Israel and the United States
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UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and others meet the flydubai crew members, including Indian Captain Smit Machchhar
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and others meet the flydubai crew members, including Indian Captain Smit Machchhar 
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Israel has also announced a civilian bravery award for the Indian captain in recognition of his courage, which will be presented after he recovers from his injuries
Israel has also announced a civilian bravery award for the Indian captain in recognition of his courage, which will be presented after he recovers from his injuries
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The UAE leadership commended the crew's courage, professionalism and commitment to protecting passengers and securing the aircraft under difficult circumstances. It reiterated that ensuring the safety and security of people remains a key priority for the country
The UAE leadership commended the crew's courage, professionalism and commitment to protecting passengers and securing the aircraft under difficult circumstances. It reiterated that ensuring the safety and security of people remains a key priority for the country
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The award acknowledges the role they played in responding to the incident and helping prevent the situation from escalating into a potentially serious tragedy.
The award acknowledges the role they played in responding to the incident and helping prevent the situation from escalating into a potentially serious tragedy.

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