Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday congratulated Captain Smit Machchhar for being conferred the prestigious Order of Zayed II (First Class) by the United Arab Emirates.
In a post on X, Majhi wrote: “Heartiest congratulations to Captain Smit Machchhar on being conferred the prestigious Order of Zayed II (First Class) by the UAE for averting a mid-air tragedy through exceptional courage and presence of mind.
His actions embody the Indian values of duty, selflessness and service to humanity. This honour is a moment of immense pride for India, reaffirming that the courage and character of Indians continue to earn respect on the global stage.”
Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot with flydubai, was honoured by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on October 27 for his bravery during a mid-air incident on flight FZ1073 (Dubai to Tel Aviv) on September 30.
Despite being seriously injured in an attack by the co-pilot, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, enabling crew members and passengers to intervene and safely divert the aircraft. The honour was presented by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The recognition highlights the pilot’s exceptional courage that helped protect the lives of those on board and has been widely praised in India and abroad.
