Dubai/Abu Dhabi: Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited injured Indian Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar at a hospital on Saturday and praised his actions during the dramatic cockpit attack aboard Flight FZ1073.
Sheikh Hamdan, who is also the UAE’s Minister of Defence, expressed the appreciation of the UAE leadership for Machchhar, saying the Indian pilot had demonstrated the “highest levels of courage, responsibility and care for human life.” The remarks were also reported by the UAE’s official Emirates News Agency (WAM).
‘We are proud that he is part of our team’
Following the hospital visit, Sheikh Hamdan said the UAE was proud to have Machchhar as part of its team and associated with the country’s story.
He described the pilot as someone who represented what the UAE stands for — “a nation of compassion, a nation of peace, and a nation of life.” Photographs released after the visit showed Sheikh Hamdan speaking with and embracing Machchhar.
Dubai’s Crown Prince walks into Indian flydubai pilot’s hospital room to praise him
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed met Captain Smit Machchhar and said he had the full appreciation and praise of the UAE leadership:
“We are proud that he is part of our team.” pic.twitter.com/XLiqEuRDHq
— Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) October 3, 2026
Injured while protecting passengers
Machchhar was injured during a mid-air confrontation aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. The aircraft was subsequently diverted and landed safely at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that the security incident had been brought under control and that injured crew members were taken to hospital.
According to the UAE Attorney-General, an investigation found that the co-pilot had attempted to carry out what authorities described as a terrorist act, attacking the captain inside the flight deck with a crash axe and attempting to take control of the aircraft. The investigation into the circumstances, motives and possible links remains ongoing.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, enabling crew members and passengers to intervene. The aircraft, carrying 174 people, was eventually brought under control and landed safely in Tabuk. Reuters reported that the aircraft had plunged nearly 14,000 feet during the confrontation.
During a visit to Captain Smit Machchhar… the flydubai pilot who embodied the highest degrees of courage, responsibility, and care for human life.
From us, and from the leadership of the nation, he has our full appreciation and praise.
We are proud that he is part of our… pic.twitter.com/QgpQxdcK5C
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) October 3, 2026
Recovering in Abu Dhabi
After receiving initial treatment in Saudi Arabia, Machchhar was shifted to Abu Dhabi for further medical care and recovery. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it was closely monitoring his condition, while the Indian Embassy remained in contact with his family and UAE authorities.
India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Dr Deepak Mittal, had earlier met Machchhar and his family and said the pilot was in stable condition and recovering well. The ambassador said Machchhar was receiving good medical care and that the Indian mission would continue providing assistance.
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority has also praised Machchhar, the flight crew and passengers for their courage and rapid response in bringing the situation under control.
Global recognition for Indian pilot
Machchhar’s actions have attracted international attention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with him by video call and praised his courage, patience and presence of mind in protecting passengers despite suffering severe injuries.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also praised Machchhar and spoken to him following the incident. The growing recognition from India, the UAE and Israel has placed the Indian pilot at the centre of international attention following the dramatic Flydubai cockpit incident.
For now, Machchhar continues his recovery in Abu Dhabi while investigations into the attack and its circumstances continue. UAE authorities have urged the public to rely on official statements and avoid speculation until the investigation is completed.
