Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Crown Prince of Dubai, visited flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar to recognise the Indian pilot’s bravery and dedication to saving lives.
Machchhar was hurt in an attack on the cockpit of flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Sheikh Hamdan passed on the UAE leadership’s gratitude and admiration, saying the captain showed “the highest degrees of courage, responsibility and care for human life.” He called Machchhar part of the UAE’s team and its national story, adding that his conduct reflects the nation’s values of compassion, peace and respect for human life.
Although seriously injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, which let crew and passengers step in and helped avert a potentially catastrophic outcome. The plane then made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The UAE leadership’s tribute follows wide international praise for the captain’s actions, which are credited with protecting everyone on board.