Indian pilot Smit Machchhar and the Flydubai crew were honoured by the UAE for bravery at a special ceremony in Abu Dhabi, where medals were presented by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on the Flydubai crew members, who handled the mid-air attack in September, risking their lives to save the passengers on board.

The honours were presented at a presidential reception by Crown Prince Al Maktoum, who commended the crew’s actions and sense of responsibility.

The crew members thanked the President and expressed their pride in receiving the honour, which reflected the leader’s recognition of the values of service, dedication and commitment.

The ceremony was attended by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, besides several officials. –  editor@nrifocus.com