His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, visited Captain Smith Macher, the Indian flydubai pilot injured in a security incident aboard flight FZ1073, in hospital and praised his bravery in protecting passengers’ lives.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when an altercation in the cockpit forced it to divert and make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities said the aircraft was carrying 174 passengers and eight crew members.

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The UAE Attorney General announced on Saturday, October 3, that an investigation had found the co-pilot intended to carry out a terrorist act. According to the official statement, he attacked the captain during the flight with an emergency axe kept in the cockpit and attempted to seize control of the aircraft. Investigations are continuing to establish the full motive, possible connections and other details, with the final findings to be announced later.

During a meeting with Captain Macher, Sheikh Hamdan said he had demonstrated “the highest level of courage, responsibility and concern for people’s lives” and commended his actions on behalf of the UAE leadership. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group, also attended the meeting.

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The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority praised the courage of the captain, crew and passengers who helped bring the situation under control. It said Captain Macher had returned to the UAE, was in good condition and was receiving treatment. The authority urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified speculation until the investigation is complete.

The CEO of flydubai also thanked the crew and passengers who helped manage the emergency and ensure the aircraft landed safely, adding that the airline would support those affected.

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