Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has visited flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar in hospital, praising his courage and actions during the serious security incident aboard flight FZ1073.
Sheikh Hamdan, who also serves as the UAE’s Minister of Defence, said Captain Machchhar had demonstrated the “highest degrees of courage, responsibility, and care for human life.”
He said the pilot had the full appreciation and praise of the UAE leadership, adding that the country was proud to have him as part of its team and national story.
Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after being attacked inside the cockpit while flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene. The aircraft was subsequently secured and safely diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The UAE Attorney-General said preliminary investigations found that the co-pilot had attempted to carry out a terrorist act, allegedly attacking the captain with a crash axe and attempting to take control of the aircraft. Investigations into the incident are continuing.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority has also praised Machchhar, the crew and passengers for their response, saying their actions helped prevent more serious consequences.
Machchhar has since returned to the UAE and is receiving medical treatment. The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi said he is recovering well. (Newswire)
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