Flydubai incident: Dubai Crown Prince praises Indian pilot Smit Machchhar after mid-air cockpit attack

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar on Saturday for his extraordinary bravery after he prevented a potential catastrophe when his co-pilot attacked him mid-flight on a journey to Israel.

The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Captain Machchhar sustained severe injuries after being stabbed inside the cockpit. Following the attack, he was transported to a hospital, where Crown Prince Hamdan, who also serves as the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, visited him and shared photos of their meeting on X.

Commending the captain's actions, Crown Prince Hamdan stated that the pilot had “embodied the highest degrees of courage, responsibility, and care for human life.”


Also read: Indian pilot Smit Machchhar 'recovering well' after attack on Dubai-Tel Aviv flight

He further emphasized the nation's gratitude, stating, “From us, and from the leadership of the nation, he has our full appreciation and praise.”

“We are proud that he is part of our team… part of the story of our nation… and part of what the UAE stands for… a nation of compassion… a nation of peace… and a nation of life,” the crown prince added.

Providing an update on his condition, the Indian Embassy in the UAE confirmed on Saturday that Captain Machchhar is making steady progress while receiving treatment.

“Indian braveheart Capt. Smit remains under excellent medical care & is recovering well. We are in touch with his family & local authorities, extending support for a speedy recovery,” the embassy posted on X. The embassy also expressed its gratitude to the UAE government for ensuring high-quality medical care and joined well-wishers in praying for his swift recovery.

Also read: 'I was very devastated': Capt Smit Machchhar’s wife recounts horrifying moments after flydubai cockpit attack

Investigating authorities in the UAE revealed that the co-pilot attempted to execute a “terrorist act.” According to UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, reported via the state news agency WAM, the attacker wielded a crash axe in an effort to seize control of the plane. Despite his severe injuries, Captain Machchhar succeeded in unlocking the cockpit door, enabling the flight crew and passengers to subduing the attacker. The co-pilot involved has been identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, according to reporting by The Wall Street Journal.

The aircraft, which had 174 passengers on board, issued distress signals and executed a steep drop from 34,000 feet, descending over 17,000 feet before executing an emergency landing at Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Captain Machchhar received emergency medical attention in Tabuk before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for specialized treatment.