'We are proud': UAE Deputy PM visits flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar in hospital, praises his courage

UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Saturday visited Indian flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar at a hospital and praised him for his courage and responsibility during a mid-air cockpit attack.

Sheikh Hamdan said Machchhar had demonstrated a high degree of courage, responsibility and care for human life during the incident. He also conveyed the UAE leadership's appreciation and praise for the pilot.

In a post on X following the hospital visit, Sheikh Hamdan said the UAE was proud that Machchhar was part of the flydubai team and had become part of the country's story. He described the UAE as a nation of compassion, peace and life.

What happened on the flydubai flight?

Machchhar was the captain of flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. During the flight, he was attacked by his co-pilot, identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami.

Despite being injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and restrain the co-pilot. A reserve pilot and passengers then helped stabilise the situation, and the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. The National

The incident has been described by UAE officials as an attempted terrorist act and is under investigation.

Smit Machchhar recovering in hospital

The Indian Embassy in the UAE has said Machchhar is recovering well and remains in stable condition. India's ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, also visited the pilot and his family at the hospital earlier this week.

The UAE Deputy PM's hospital visit comes as Machchhar continues to receive treatment following the cockpit attack. His actions during the incident have drawn praise from UAE and Indian officials.