UAE President honours flydubai FZ1073 crew with Order of Zayed II for their courage

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has honoured the flydubai crew involved in the September 30 FZ1073 incident with a medal in recognition of their courage and efforts to protect passengers.

The crew received the Order of Zayed II, First Class, acknowledging their actions during the incident. The award is generally presented to foreign ambassadors, diplomats, senior officials and international figures for their contributions to public service and strengthening relations with the UAE.

Sheikh Hamdan Presents Medals at Ceremony

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, presented the medals at a special ceremony.

During the event, Sheikh Hamdan praised the crew for demonstrating responsibility and courage while protecting passengers' lives.

UAE leaders were also seen speaking with Captain Smit Machchhar, who received international recognition for his actions during the incident. The captain reportedly managed to unlatch the cockpit door, allowing others to intervene at a critical moment.

Reflecting on his actions, Captain Machchhar previously said, "I had that one last fight in me and gave it my all."

Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, also praised the flydubai crew and described the honour as recognition of their determination to protect passengers.

He said: "An honorable feat of bravery that affirms that preserving human life is the noblest of duties and the most exalted form of giving."

The latest recognition follows earlier expressions of support from UAE leaders for the crew members involved in the incident.

Sheikh Hamdan Previously Visited the Injured Captain

On October 3, just days after the incident, Sheikh Hamdan visited Captain Smit Machchhar in hospital, where the pilot was receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the cockpit altercation.

The visit demonstrated the leadership's support for the captain following the incident aboard flight FZ1073.

What Happened on Flydubai Flight FZ1073?

The flydubai flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when it was diverted to Saudi Arabia on September 30.

According to the UAE Public Prosecution, the 29-year-old co-pilot allegedly planned to hijack the aircraft and crash it into the passenger terminal at Ben Gurion Airport in an attack intended to cause mass casualties.

Investigators stated that the suspect had made two previous trips to Tel Aviv to familiarise himself with the flight route and airport before the incident.

On October 3, UAE authorities said preliminary findings indicated that the co-pilot attacked the pilot while the aircraft was in flight.

According to the investigation, the suspect allegedly assaulted the captain inside the cockpit using a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft. A crash axe is an emergency safety tool kept in the cockpit for tasks such as breaking through doors or panels.

On October 9, UAE prosecutors further stated that the suspect had planned the alleged attack during his third trip to Tel Aviv.

The incident brought attention to the importance of cockpit security, crew preparedness and the role of flight personnel in protecting passengers during emergencies.