Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Saturday visited Indian flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar, who is recovering after being injured during a cockpit incident on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. The Crown Prince praised Machchhar’s courage, sense of responsibility and efforts to protect passengers during the emergency.
Machchhar was injured on September 30 while operating flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. UAE authorities are investigating the incident, while Machchhar was later transferred to the UAE for further medical treatment.
During his hospital visit, Sheikh Hamdan expressed appreciation for Machchhar on behalf of the UAE leadership. He said the pilot had demonstrated high levels of courage, responsibility and concern for human life, adding that the UAE was proud to have him as part of its aviation community.
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The incident occurred after an altercation inside the cockpit while the aircraft was en route to Tel Aviv. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing other crew members and passengers to intervene. The aircraft was subsequently brought under control and diverted to Saudi Arabia, with all those aboard accounted for.
The Indian pilot has received recognition from officials in India, the UAE and Israel following the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Machchhar from his hospital bed on Friday and praised his actions during the emergency, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also credited the pilot with helping prevent a potentially serious aviation disaster.
Machchhar is continuing to recover under medical care in the UAE. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority has also commended the pilot, flight crew and passengers who helped bring the situation under control. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the cockpit incident.
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