UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan honours Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and his flydubai crew with the First Class Order of Zayed II for saving over 170 lives during a mid-air attack.

While Indian pilot Smit Machchhar recently earned the UAE's First Class Order of Zayed II for exceptional bravery, two former diplomats previously received the prestigious decoration.

Captain Smit Machchhar and his crew have been decorated with the First Class Order of Zayed II by UAE leadership for thwarting a cockpit attack.