Dubai Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Saturday (October 3, 2026) praised Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for his “courage” in averting a possible tragedy after he was attacked by his co-pilot during a flight to Israel .
Mr.
Hamdan, who is also the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, said the flydubai pilot had “embodied the highest degrees of courage, responsibility, and care for human life.”
UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the co-pilot used a crash axe to attack Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft, the state-run WAM news agency reported. The embassy also thanked the UAE government for providing medical care to Mr. Mr.
Machchhar and said it joined well-wishers in praying for his recovery. The UAE, which is leading the investigation, said the co-pilot attempted to carry out a “terrorist act” on Wednesday (September 30). Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the co-pilot, according to earlier reports. Earlier reporting noted: In a social media post on X, Hamdan bin Mohammed said that the UAE is proud that Machchhar is part of the flydubai team and part of the story of the UAE. From us, and from the leadership of the nation, he has our full appreciation and praise,” the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister said.
Earlier reporting noted: “During a visit to Captain Smit Machchhar… the flydubai pilot who embodied the highest degrees of courage, responsibility, and care for human life. Earlier reporting noted: ‘Highest degree of courage’: UAE’s deputy PM meets flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar NEW DELHI: UAE deputy prime minister Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Saturday met flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and praised his courage, responsibility and care for human life.
Machchhar was recovering well and remained under medical care. “Indian braveheart Capt. Smit remains under excellent medical care & is recovering well.
We are in touch with his family & local authorities, extending support for a speedy recovery,” the embassy said in a post on X on Saturday (October 3).
“From us, and from the leadership of the nation, he has our full appreciation and praise,” he said. The Indian Embassy in the UAE earlier said Mr.
