New Delhi: Photos showing a long line of stitches on the head of Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar are rapidly going viral on social media. People are praising and saluting his bravery after seeing these images. These images emerged after the incident last month on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, carrying more than 170 passengers. Smit Machchhar played a key role in saving the flight and passengers.
UAE honours pilot and entire crew
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has awarded Smit Machchhar and his fellow crew members the First Class Order of Zayed II, a prestigious civilian award in the UAE. According to the Dubai Media Office, Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, presented the honor. He praised the crew’s responsibility, courage, and professionalism.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Smit Machchhar, calling him a “true hero” for helping save the lives of more than 170 people. The Gujarat government has given him the distinguished Gujarat Garima Award. Israel has also proposed a Presidential Award for Civilian Bravery.
What happened on the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight?
The incident occurred on September 30th on Flydubai flight FZ1073. The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and was carrying over 170 passengers. Smit Machchhar was struck by his co-pilot with a cockpit crash axe. This resulted in a serious head injury, which was reported as a compound depressed skull fracture. Despite his serious injuries, Smit Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing other crew members and passengers to enter and overpower the co-pilot. The plane then descended approximately 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.
A Proud moment for all Indians 😌 Captain Smit Machchhar, honoured with the Order of Zayed II by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. 🇦🇪🇮🇳 https://t.co/yGCNDA5PVm
— Glitch (@Glitch__Matrixx) October 28, 2026
Plane landed safely
Two other Flydubai pilots then took control of the plane and landed it safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Smit Machchhar was initially treated at a hospital in Tabuk and then flown to Abu Dhabi for further treatment. People say that despite his serious injuries, Smit Machchhar performed his duty and helped save the lives of passengers. His photographs have drawn widespread praise for his bravery on social media.
