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Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The UAE has awarded Captain Smit Machchhar and his flydubai crew the First Class Order of Zayed II, one of the country’s prestigious honours, recognising their actions during a mid-flight attack aboard flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
According to the account, Captain Machchhar was attacked inside the cockpit by his co-pilot and suffered severe injuries. Despite being wounded, he managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing cabin crew and passengers to enter and overpower the attacker.
The flight then made a safe emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, saving more than 170 lives. World leaders have praised the crew’s quick thinking and bravery.
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