‘We are proud’: UAE deputy PM visits Smit Machchhar in hospital, lauds flydubai pilot's ‘courage’
UAE deputy PM visits Smit Machchhar in hospitalAl Maktoum said Machchhar had “embodied high degrees of courage”, and conveyed the UAE leadership's “appreciation” to the Indian pilot.
Machchhar was the Captain on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight, during which he was stabbed by his co-pilot, now identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami. However, Machchhar was able to open the cockpit door despite being injured, allowing passengers to enter and restrain the Omani co-pilot.
A second set of pilots onboard the plane then took control of the flight, while one of the passengers, a dentist, provided medical assistance to Machchhar till the flight landed in Saudi Arabia's Tabuk.
In a post on X, Al Maktoum shared a photograph of his visit and wrote, “During a visit to Captain Smit Machchhar… the flydubai pilot who embodied the highest degrees of courage, responsibility, and care for human life.” “From us, and from the leadership of the nation, he has our full appreciation and praise,” the UAE deputy PM said.
“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 added in the post.
The advisor to the UAE president, Anwar Gargash, had earlier described the attack aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 as a “terrorist act”, and praised Machchhar for his actions during the mid-air crisis.
“Vigilance and precaution are necessary in the face of extremism and terrorism,” the UAE official said in a post on X as he underscored the need for heightened alertness following the incident.
Gargash added, “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.”
During a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Machchhar recalled the terrifying moments of the mid-air crisis, saying he could feel the aircraft going down even after he collapsed from his injuries.
“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 Indian pilot told PM 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.
Arya Mishra is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, based in New Delhi, and a key member of the digital news team focusing on urgent breaking developments across India and the world. With a sharp editorial instinct and strong reporting skills, Arya covers high-impact crime incidents, public safety and justice issues, political developments, education policy and international affairs, consistently delivering clear, accurate and timely journalism. Her recent reporting highlights include detailed coverage of serious criminal cases, politics as well as analyses of national education reforms and international diplomatic moves. On the world news front, she has written about global trade policy changes and security developments, including tariff shifts by the United States and strategic counter-terrorism strategies being rolled out by Ministry of Home Affairs. Arya thrives in fast-paced environments – running live blogs, crafting in-depth explainers and real-time news coverage that keeps readers informed as stories evolve. Before joining Hindustan Times, she was a part of The Indian Express online team. Outside the newsroom, she is an avid reader, with a love for thriller and suspense fiction, and enjoys music as a way to unwind. With more than three years of experience in dynamic newsrooms, Arya brings curiosity, clarity and commitment to every story she covers.Read More
