UAE Honors FlyDubai Captain for Foiling Tel Aviv Flight Hijacking

The crew of a FlyDubai flight that was targeted in an attempted hijacking on September 30 have been awarded state honors by the United Arab Emirates. The ceremony was attended by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and other leaders. The awards were presented by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense. Captain Smith Machchhar, an Indian pilot, received the Order of Sheikh Zayed, First Class, one of the UAE's highest honors. This order, named after the nation's founder, is typically bestowed upon high-ranking government officials and diplomats, including foreigners. "Captain Machchhar is a true hero, you and your crew have become part of the Emirati family forever," stated the head of state. He also wished the Indian pilot, whose hand was bandaged, a swift recovery from injuries sustained during an attack by the co-pilot who attempted to seize the aircraft. The United Arab Emirates has reportedly downplayed the role of Israeli passengers who, alongside Machchhar, helped prevent the plane's hijacking and subdue the hijacker, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani citizen. Al-Hammami had intended to crash the plane at Ben Gurion Airport.