Stitches across Captain Smit Machchhar's head draw attention as UAE honours Indian pilot | Video

New photographs showing surgical staples across Captain Smit Machchhar's head have drawn attention after the UAE honoured the Indian pilot and flydubai crew for stopping a cockpit attack on flight FZ1073. 

Fresh images of a long row of surgical staples across Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar's head have shown the injuries he suffered during a violent cockpit attack last month. The photographs emerged as the United Arab Emirates honoured him and his flydubai colleagues for protecting passengers aboard a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight that was forced to land safely in Saudi Arabia.

Captain Smit Machchhar's head injuries visible in new photographs

The line of surgical staples running across the back of Machchhar's head was clearly visible in photographs from the award ceremony held on Tuesday. The images offered a closer look at the injuries he suffered when his co-pilot allegedly attacked him with an emergency axe during a flight on 30 September.

The photographs also attracted attention on social media. British far-right activist Tommy Robinson was reported to have shared an image of the captain's injuries while praising his courage.

"Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear battle scars. Hero Indian Captain Smit Machchhar. The world salutes you," Robinson wrote.

The UAE honoured Machchhar and his fellow flydubai crew members with the First Class Order of Zayed II, a prestigious civilian decoration awarded for distinguished service and exceptional contributions.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the honour, while Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the medals at a presidential reception. Sheikh Hamdan, who is also the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, praised the crew for protecting passengers during the emergency.

What happened aboard flydubai flight FZ1073?

The incident occurred on 30 September aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 170 passengers on board.

According to UAE investigators, the aircraft’s Omani co-pilot suddenly attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit with an emergency axe. The captain suffered serious head injuries but continued struggling to raise the alarm.

During the attack, the aircraft lost thousands of feet of altitude. Reports based on flight-tracking data indicated that the plane plunged approximately 14,000 feet in about 30 seconds.

Despite his injuries and heavy bleeding, Machchhar managed to release the cockpit door lock, helping other people on board reach the flight deck.

UAE prosecutors said another pilot travelling on the aircraft noticed unusual movement of the cockpit door and entered using an access code. He intervened with the help of a cabin crew member and several passengers, who restrained the suspected attacker.

Two other flydubai pilots travelling on the aircraft subsequently took control and diverted the flight to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

UAE investigation reveals alleged plan to attack Tel Aviv airport

On October 9, the UAE Attorney-General announced that investigators had uncovered an alleged plot by the 29-year-old co-pilot to seize control of the aircraft and crash it into the passenger terminal at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport.

Prosecutors said the suspect had previously travelled to Tel Aviv twice to familiarise himself with the route and airport. They also said he had confessed to planning the attack and claimed to have acted alone.

The investigation remained ongoing, with authorities examining evidence and possible links to other individuals.

UAE recognises Captain Smit Machchhar and flydubai crew

Following the emergency landing, Machchhar received initial medical treatment in Tabuk before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further care.

Sheikh Hamdan visited him in hospital earlier in October and praised his courage in helping prevent a potentially devastating incident.

At the award ceremony on October 27, the UAE leadership recognised the efforts of the captain and his colleagues in securing the aircraft and protecting those on board.

Flydubai chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum also thanked the UAE leadership for recognising the crew and supporting them after the attack.

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