NZ-trained pilot attacked by copilot given UAE honour

A captain who was attacked by his co-pilot during a flight to Tel Aviv last month, as well as crew members who helped keep passengers safe, have been formally honoured.

Smit Machchhar and crew were bestowed with the First Class Order of Zayed II by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Deputy Prime Minister Hamdan bin Mohammed earlier this week.

Machchhar was attacked by first officer Hammam al-Hammami with an axe on Flydubai Flight 1073 in September, in an alleged attempt to crash the plane. Machchhar fought back and managed to open the cockpit door, allowing others on board - including passengers - to restrain al-Hammami.

Despite suffering damage during an unplanned rapid descent, the plane was landed safely by other pilots on board, who were expected to operate the return flight to Dubai.

"UAE President confers the First Class Order of Zayed II on the flydubai crew members involved in September's in-flight incident, in recognition of their courageous efforts to ensure the safety of passengers," the Dubai Media Office posted on social media.

"The honours were presented by Hamdan bin Mohammed, who commended the crew's actions and sense of responsibility."

The First Class Order of Zayed II is one of the UAE's highest civilian decorations, local media reported. It was named after Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the nation's first president.

Sheikh Mohamed embraced Machchhar and inspected stitches on the back of his head where he was hit with the axe, The Daily Telegraph reported, joking he would teach the pilot how to fight once he had recovered.

"It's my biggest honour," Machchhar - who also had an arm in a sling - replied.

Both the captain and first officer had spent time in New Zealand - Machchhar was here for 18 months in 2008/09 while learning to fly, and al-Hammami about six months in 2018/19 on a student visa.