Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar of the flydubai flight that narrowly escaped a major aviation tragedy on September 30 has received the UAE’s First Class Order of Zayed II. However, Captain Machchhar is not the first Indian to receive the prestigious civilian honour. Two Indian diplomats were conferred the same decoration before him for their contributions to strengthening India- UAE relations.
The decoration was presented by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was then the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, during a meeting in Abu Dhabi. Captain Machchhar and other FlyDubai crew members were honoured by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on October 27. The awards were presented by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in recognition of their actions during the September 30 cockpit attack. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on September 11, 2019, that then-President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan had conferred the honour on Suri, according to ANI.
Sheikh Abdullah praised his efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation, including defence ties, and wished him success in his future assignments. It was presented by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Sheikh Abdullah commended his contribution to developing bilateral relations during his tenure in the country. The First Class Order of Zayed II is a high-level UAE civilian decoration generally awarded to foreign diplomats, senior officials and distinguished international figures for their service and contributions.
Sunjay Sudhir, who served as India’s ambassador to the UAE from November 2021 to September 2025, received the First Class Order of Zayed II six years after Suri. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the decoration on Sudhir on September 17, 2025. The honour is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding president, who ruled from 1971 until his death in 2004. It is distinct from the Order of Zayed, the UAE’s highest civilian decoration, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi received in August 2019. Earlier reporting noted: The medals were presented by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, who commended the crew’s actions and sense of responsibility, Dubai Media Office said in a statement on Tuesday (October 27, 2026).
Suri was recognised for his contribution to developing and strengthening relations between India and the UAE, according to the UAE government’s statement. Sudhir was honoured for his efforts to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UAE across several sectors, according to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Earlier reporting noted: The crew members thanked His Highness the President and expressed their pride in receiving the honour, which reflects His Highness’ recognition of the values of service, dedication and commitment, the statement said.
Earlier reporting noted: Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, flydubai crew honoured by UAE President for bravery during mid-air attack UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on Indian Captain Smit Machchhar and fellow flydubai crew members in recognition of their courageous efforts to ensure passenger safety during an attempted mid-air attack aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.
