Sheikh Hamdan visits flydubai pilot praised for courage after FZ1073 attack
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has visited flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar, who was seriously injured while protecting passengers during a mid-air cockpit attack on flight FZ1073.
The Crown Prince of Dubai praised the Indian pilot for showing exceptional courage, responsibility and commitment to protecting lives during the September 30 incident, which UAE investigators have described as an attempted terrorist act.
Sheikh Hamdan praises Captain Machchhar
During the visit, Sheikh Hamdan said Machchhar had demonstrated the “highest levels of courage, responsibility, and care for people’s lives”.
He described the captain as a source of pride for the UAE and highlighted his place within the country’s wider community.
Sheikh Hamdan was accompanied by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and one of the UAE aviation sector’s most prominent leaders.
What happened on flydubai flight FZ1073
Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv on September 30 aboard a Boeing 737 MAX 8 when an altercation broke out inside the cockpit.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
According to findings released by UAE investigators, the co-pilot allegedly assaulted Machchhar inside the cockpit with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
Despite his injuries, the captain and other crew members were able to secure the aircraft and prevent the situation from escalating further. The incident is being investigated by UAE authorities as an attempted terrorist act.
Flydubai thanks crew and passengers
Flydubai chief executive Ghaith Al Ghaith expressed his gratitude to the captain, pilots and cabin crew for their response during what he described as an extremely challenging situation.
He also thanked passengers who assisted members of the crew during the incident.
The airline said it would continue providing support to everyone affected.
UAE leaders hail the pilot’s courage
Captain Machchhar’s actions have drawn praise from senior UAE officials.
Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, described him as a true hero and said his professionalism and sense of responsibility helped prevent a potentially devastating outcome.
Gargash also stressed the importance of remaining vigilant against extremism and avoiding unsupported speculation surrounding the incident.
Narendra Modi calls Machchhar a ‘hero’
Recognition has also come from India.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar for his courage and determination to protect others despite suffering serious injuries.
Modi said the captain’s actions helped save hundreds of lives and prevent a major tragedy, adding that India was proud of him and wishing him a full recovery.
A story of courage in Dubai aviation
The incident has placed Captain Machchhar at the centre of an extraordinary aviation story.
What began as a routine commercial flight from Dubai quickly became a serious emergency, with the captain forced to respond to danger inside one of the most sensitive areas of the aircraft.
His actions, together with those of the wider flydubai crew and passengers who assisted them, allowed the aircraft to land safely.
Sheikh Hamdan’s personal visit has now added another moment of recognition for the pilot, whose response is being celebrated in both the UAE and India as an example of professionalism, courage and responsibility under extreme pressure.
