The visit was made by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who praised the cockpit raid to the Indian Flydubai pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, who came up for medical attention after the air-to-air attack on his aircraft from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Machchhar has been recovering after being forced to land in Abu Dhabi after being seriously injured, when a co-pilot attacked him during the flight. Although injured, the Indian captain managed to open the cockpit door and rescued the crew and passengers who helped to overpower the attacker. The plane was turned around and conveniently landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Sheikh Hamdan leaned on the leadership of the UAE in “full appreciation and praise” for the pilot after meeting with Machchhar. He said in his statement that Machchhar displayed “courage, responsibility and concern for human life” while “the UAE was proud to have him as part of the Flydubai team”.
During the days of the visit to the hospital, the images reveal that Sheikh Hamdan is engaging in conversations with Machchhar and takes a lot of time to hug the injured pilot.
The incident took place on Flydubai flight FZ1073 a Dubai to Tel Aviv flight. An investigation revealed that the co-pilot attacked the copilot with the cockpit crash-axe, and tried to take control of the plane, the UAE Attorney General said. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances and motive behind the incident.
The raid machine slammed to the ground and only then did the pilot regain control. Twelve passengers and crew assisted a reserve pilot in making the aircraft more leash and safe to land.
The official body in India, Israel and the UAE have given praises for his activity in the emergency of Machchhar. The incident in the cockpit has also sparked an international investigation, drawing attention to his reply.
The UAE leadership’s acceptance comes as a boost to the Indian pilot while he is at hospital to recuperate.