The UAE on Wednesday honoured Indian flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar and crew members for their courage during a September 30 cockpit emergency. The recognition follows praise for their efforts to protect passengers and help prevent the situation from escalating into a potentially serious tragedy. PICS/PTI

UAE Deputy Prime Minister Hamdan bin Mohammed met flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar in hospital and expressed "appreciation and praise" for his heroic actions during a mid-air attack on the Tel Aviv-bound flight on September 30. (Pics/X)