ABU DHABI, OCT 4: UAE Deputy Prime Minister, Crown Prince of Dubai and Defence Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited Indian flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar at a hospital in Abu Dhabi and praised his extraordinary courage, responsibility and determination to protect human life during the mid-air cockpit attack on flight FZ1073.
During the hospital visit, Sheikh Hamdan conveyed his appreciation and praise for Captain Machchhar on behalf of himself and the UAE leadership, saying the Indian pilot had demonstrated the “highest degrees of courage, responsibility, and care for human life.” He also said the UAE was proud that Machchhar was part of its aviation team and part of the country’s story and values.
Captain Machchhar is recovering in Abu Dhabi after sustaining serious injuries during an attack inside the cockpit of flydubai flight FZ1073, which was operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was carrying 174 people when the incident occurred, according to reports.
According to the UAE Attorney General’s account reported by local media, the co-pilot attacked Captain Machchhar with a crash axe while the aircraft was in flight and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Despite being injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door and call for assistance, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene. The aircraft was subsequently diverted and landed safely at Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The incident has since been formally described by UAE authorities as an attempted terrorist act, while investigations continue into the motive, circumstances and possible connections surrounding the attack. Authorities are also examining technical, physical and digital evidence as part of the probe.
The pilot’s actions have drawn widespread recognition in India and the UAE. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Captain Machchhar and praised his quick thinking and determination to protect the passengers. Modi described him as a hero and said his actions helped avert a major tragedy.
The UAE leadership’s recognition adds to the growing tributes for the Indian aviator, whose response during the cockpit emergency helped prevent the situation from escalating into a potentially catastrophic aviation disaster.
Sheikh Hamdan further said Captain Machchhar’s conduct reflected the values the UAE seeks to uphold, describing the country as “a nation of compassion, a nation of peace, and a nation of life.”
Captain Machchhar was initially treated in Tabuk following the emergency landing before being transferred to the UAE for continued medical care. Reports indicate that he is recovering in Abu Dhabi, while authorities continue their investigation into the unprecedented cockpit incident.
