UAE honours Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar for bravery during cockpit emergency

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New Delhi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has awarded Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and the flydubai crew for their courage following a cockpit emergency on 30 September.

Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene and help avert a potential tragedy.

As per reports, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented the First Class Order of Zayed II to the crew for their heroic efforts to save lives, demonstrating utmost professionalism. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, awarded them the medals.

The UAE President also received the crew members in the presence of Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Tuesday. They were all commended by the leadership for their commitment to passenger safety.

The crew appreciated the UAE President for the compliment, added reports.

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On October 3, Sheikh Hamdan visited the captain as he was treated for the injuries. Sheikh Hamdan lauded the bravery and strong sense of responsibility shown by Captain Machchhar and the keen interest to ensure safety of the lives of the passengers.

The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority had also lauded Machchhar and the crew and passengers who helped control the emergency.

Machchhar’s headstrong and successful rescue led him to be praised by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.

Similarly, Israel has also declared a civilian bravery medal for Machchhar which is likely to be awarded to him once he recuperates from his injuries.

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