Part of: National Current Affairs · See also: UPSC syllabus · UKPSC syllabus
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has received the First Class Order of Zayed II from the UAE. In fact, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the honour on 27 October 2026. Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed presented it. Other crew members of flydubai flight FZ1073 also received it. So, the UAE has recognised their courage during a mid-air attack.
What Happened on Flight FZ1073?
The flight was heading from Dubai to Tel Aviv on 30 September 2026. Then the co-pilot attacked Captain Machchhar in the cockpit. According to the UAE, he used a cockpit crash axe. Although seriously injured, the captain opened the cockpit door. As a result, others on board could enter and restrain the attacker. Finally, the crew diverted the jet and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Attempted Terror Plot and Passenger Safety
UAE authorities later called the incident “an attempted terrorist attack”. Moreover, prosecutors said the 29-year-old co-pilot planned to crash into Ben Gurion Airport’s terminal. Israeli officials identified him as an Omani national. Meanwhile, flydubai said all 172 passengers and crew remained safe.
Captain Machchhar’s Courage Praised
Captain Machchhar said, “I had that one last fight in me and gave it my all.” Also, presidential adviser Anwar Gargash called it “an honorable feat of bravery”. Notably, the pilot has Gujarat roots.
Earlier Indian Recipients
Notably, Captain Machchhar is believed to be the third Indian recipient. Earlier, former ambassador Navdeep Singh Suri received it on 11 September 2019. Later, ambassador Sunjay Sudhir received it on 17 September 2025. However, both won it for strengthening India–UAE ties, unlike the pilot.
About the Order of Zayed II
The decoration takes its name from Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father. Also, the UAE generally gives it to foreign ambassadors, diplomats and senior officials. However, it differs from the Order of Zayed, the UAE’s highest civilian honour. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Order of Zayed in 2019.
Order of Zayed II: Key Facts for Revision
- Recipient: Captain Smit Machchhar, Indian pilot with flydubai
- Conferred by: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, 27 October 2026
- Incident: Flight FZ1073, Dubai–Tel Aviv, 30 September 2026
- Landing: Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Earlier Indian recipients: Navdeep Singh Suri (2019), Sunjay Sudhir (2025)
Why the Order of Zayed II Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, examiners often ask about foreign honours given to Indians. So, remember the conferring President, the flight route and the earlier recipients. Also, link this honour with growing India–UAE ties. For official updates, also visit the Emirates News Agency (WAM). Next, for a related story, read about India’s outbound travel record and the UAE.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.