In a high-profile ceremony, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan bestowed the Order of Zayed II, First Class, upon the crew of flydubai flight FZ1073. The prestigious honor, typically reserved for international diplomats and senior officials, was presented by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to recognize the crew's extraordinary courage during a mid-air crisis on September 30. Captain Smit Machchhar was specifically commended for his heroic actions, having successfully fought off an assailant to ensure the safety of everyone on board.

The incident involved a harrowing attempt by the flight's co-pilot to hijack the aircraft and execute a mass-casualty attack by crashing the plane into Ben Gurion Airport. Official investigations revealed that the perpetrator had used prior flights to plot the attack, eventually assaulting the pilot with an emergency crash axe while mid-flight. Thanks to the crew's quick thinking and bravery, the threat was neutralized, preventing a potential catastrophe. This recognition from the UAE’s leadership underscores the nation's profound appreciation for the crew's commitment to prioritizing human life above all else.