Smit Machchhar Receives UAE’s First Class Order of Zayed II: Who Were the Two Previous Indian Recipients?

Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, has been awarded the First Class Order of Zayed II by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to his bravery in the face of a critical situation on board the flydubai Flight FZ1073 on 30 September 2026. Machchhar is the third Indian after the Indian ambassadors, Navdeep Singh Suri (2019) and Sunjay Sudhir (2025), to be honoured with the order. While Suri and Sudhir were decorated for promoting ties between the two countries, Machchhar was awarded the order due to his heroic deed on an aircraft.

Who were the Two Previous Indians to Receive this Honour before Smit Machchhar?

1. Navdeep Singh Suri – 2019

Navdeep Singh Suri was India’s ambassador to the UAE from December 2016 to September 2019. He was awarded the First Class Order of Zayed II in September 2019 by the UAE for his part in strengthening friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries.

The award was given to him by the then UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

2. Sunjay Sudhir – 2025

Sunjay Sudhir was India’s ambassador to the UAE between November 2021 and September 2025.

He was also awarded the same honour in September 2025 for his contributions to strengthening the India-UAE strategic partnership, particularly in the fields of economy and education.

What Happened Aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073?

On September 30, 2026, Flydubai Flight FZ1073 which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv was involved in a serious incident in the cockpit. As per media reports, the alleged Omani co-pilot attacked Machchhar with an axe which resulted in severe injuries to him.

In spite of suffering from such injuries, Machchhar opened the cockpit door and enabled other passengers and off-duty crew members to restrain the co-pilot. It is believed that the plane took a steep dive during the process and was then forced to make an emergency landing at Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

First Class Order of Zayed II: What Does It Stand For?

The First Class Order of Zayed II is a very prestigious award of the UAE, which is granted by the state to diplomats, high officials and other distinguished people for their services and contributions to society.

This order takes its name from Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding President of the UAE, who reigned till 2004.

However, it should be pointed out that the First Class Order of Zayed II is not to be confused with the Order of Zayed. The latter award is the highest civilian honor of the UAE. In August 2019, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was granted the Order of Zayed for contributing to India-UAE relations.