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.
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.
The assault triggered a violent struggle inside the cockpit, during which the aircraft reportedly lost about 16,000 feet in two minutes, according to reports on the incident.
From us, and from the leadership of the nation, he has our full appreciation and praise,” the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister said. Citing Attorney General Counsellor Hamad Saif al-Shamsi, the Omani co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, attacked Machchhar with a cockpit crash axe while attempting to take control of the aircraft, according to the UAE’s state news agency WAM. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs said that Machchhar was recovering well in an Abu Dhabi hospital, days after being airlifted from Tabuk. The MEA said that Machchhar remained under “excellent medical care” and that it was in touch with his family and local authorities. We join well-wishers in praying for his good health,” the Indian Embassy in UAE said in a post on X.
“During a visit to Captain Smit Machchhar… the flydubai pilot who embodied the highest degrees of courage, responsibility, and care for human life. “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. Our thanks to UAE gov. for their care.