‘We are proud of you’: Dubai Crown Prince meets Flydubai hero pilot Smit Machchhar

October 3, 2026

Dubai: Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Saturday visited Indian flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar in hospital and praised his courage after he helped avert a potential disaster during a mid-air cockpit attack.

Sheikh Hamdan, who is also the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, said Machchhar had demonstrated the highest degrees of courage, responsibility and care for human life.

Crown Prince praises Captain Smit

Following the hospital visit, Sheikh Hamdan said the UAE leadership had its full appreciation and praise for the Indian pilot.

“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,” he said, describing the UAE as a nation of compassion, peace and life.

The visit came days after Machchhar was injured during an incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

Pilot recovering well after cockpit attack

The Indian Embassy in the UAE said on Saturday that Machchhar remains under excellent medical care and is recovering well. The embassy said it is in contact with his family and local authorities and thanked the UAE government for providing medical care.

According to UAE authorities, the co-pilot attacked Machchhar inside the flight deck with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Despite being injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene. The aircraft was subsequently diverted and landed safely at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.

UAE investigation continues

The UAE Attorney General said the investigation had found that the co-pilot attempted to carry out what authorities described as a terrorist act. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances, motive and possible links related to the incident, along with physical and digital evidence.

Captain Machchhar’s actions have drawn widespread appreciation in India and the UAE. Earlier, he was also honoured with ₹1 crore by Mankind Pharma for his bravery during the incident.

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