'Highest degrees of courage': UAE deputy PM praises Smit Machchhar after flydubai attack

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, visited Indian pilot Smit Machchhar in hospital on Saturday and praised his actions during the mid-air crisis aboard a flydubai flight.

Machchhar was the captain of a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight when his co-pilot, identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly stabbed him. Despite being injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and restrain the co-pilot.

During his hospital visit, Al Maktoum praised the pilot for his conduct during the incident and conveyed the UAE leadership's appreciation for his actions.

What did UAE's deputy PM say?

Sharing a photograph from his meeting with Machchhar on X, Al Maktoum described the Indian pilot as someone who had demonstrated exceptional courage and responsibility while protecting human life.

“During a visit to Captain Smit Machchhar… the flydubai pilot who embodied the highest degrees of courage, responsibility, and care for human life.”

The UAE deputy PM added, “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 team… part of the story of our nation… and part of what the UAE stands for… a nation of compassion… a nation of peace… and a nation of life,” he said.

UAE official calls attack a 'terrorist act'

Earlier, UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash had described the incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073 as a “terrorist act”.

Gargash also praised Machchhar for his response during the crisis and stressed the need for vigilance against extremism and terrorism.

“The Indian pilot deserves every bit of appreciation, for he embodied the meaning of courage and responsibility in the face of a dangerous terrorist act and a potential disaster. His professionalism and moral sense in the darkest of circumstances make him a true hero,” Gargash said.

What Smit Machchhar told PM Modi

Machchhar later spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a video call and recalled how he acted after being injured.

“When I was down on the floor, I sensed that the aircraft was going down. And I knew for sure: ‘This is the one last push, Smit. Just do it. The door is right there,” the pilot told Modi.

“Even as blows were still landing on me, I just managed to open it, sir. Then everyone else arrived. The others also played an equal role in this,” he added.