‘We are proud’: Dubai Crown Prince meets Smit Machchhar after cockpit attack

Abu Dhabi: Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum visited Indian flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar in Abu Dhabi on Saturday and praised his actions during the cockpit attack that disrupted a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight earlier this week.

Sheikh Hamdan, who is also the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister, met Machchhar during the pilot's recovery in Abu Dhabi.

In a post on X, Hamdan praised Machchhar for what he described as exceptional courage, responsibility and concern for human life. He also conveyed the UAE leadership's appreciation for the pilot's actions.

Hamdan said Machchhar represented values that the UAE associates with compassion, peace and protecting human life.

What happened aboard the flydubai flight?

Machchhar was injured on Wednesday when his Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked him with a crash axe during flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

The aircraft was carrying 174 passengers. According to the UAE Attorney General's office, the co-pilot subsequently attempted to take control of the aircraft.

Despite his injuries, Machchhar opened the cockpit door and called for assistance. Passengers and other crew members then intervened and overpowered the attacker.

A reserve crew took control of the aircraft and landed it safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia, where Machchhar received initial medical treatment before being transferred to Abu Dhabi.

Flight plunged more than 14,000 feet

The aircraft experienced a rapid loss of altitude during the incident. Flight-tracking data cited by Flightradar24 showed the aircraft descended more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds while over Saudi Arabia.

Saudi authorities later handed the co-pilot over to the UAE following a preliminary investigation involving security teams from both countries.

The UAE has described the incident as a terrorist attack.

The background of the alleged attacker is also being examined.

Al Arabiya identified him as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national. The Associated Press, citing people familiar with the investigation, also reported the same identity.

AP reported that Oman had previously prevented al-Hammami from flying over concerns that he had adopted extremist views. He was subsequently employed by flydubai.

Questions about what information was available to the airline and the extent of the vetting process remain part of the wider investigation.

PM Modi speaks to Machchhar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Machchhar by video call on Friday and praised his actions during the emergency.

Modi told the pilot that his decisions made within seconds had helped save passengers' lives and wished him a speedy recovery.

During the conversation, Machchhar told Modi that he regarded him as his biggest idol. He also said he recited the Hanuman Chalisa during the attack, describing it as something he does when facing difficult situations.

Machchhar is now recovering in Abu Dhabi after receiving treatment following the attack. The visit by Sheikh Hamdan comes as the UAE continues to investigate the incident and the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack inside the aircraft.