The United Arab Emirates has honoured Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and his flydubai crew. The ceremony also gave the first close-up look at the injury to his head.
Dubai Media Office said in a statement on Tuesday that he commended the crew’s actions and sense of responsibility. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on Captain Machchhar and fellow crew members. It recognised their efforts to protect passengers during an attempted mid-air attack on a Dubai to Tel Aviv flight. The medals were presented by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. The First Class Order of Zayed II is a high-level civil decoration of the UAE. The UAE President confers it to honour individuals, diplomats, officials and crew members for distinguished service, courage, or contributions to strengthening bilateral and international relations. READ | UAE President Honours flydubai Hero Captain, Crew For Courageous Actions
The honour is the latest in a series for Captain Machchhar. The Gujarat government has awarded him the Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award. The Israel government has also proposed a Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism.
