'Part of our team': Sheikh Hamdan hails flydubai pilot after hospital visit

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, visited Capt Smit Machchhar, the heroic flydubai pilot, in the hospital on Saturday. The pilot, injured after being attacked by his co-pilot during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was receiving medical care in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Hamdan praised Capt Machchhar, stating that he embodied the highest degrees of courage, responsibility, and care for human life.

During the crisis, Capt Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene and prevent a disaster. A small group of passengers and a reserve pilot overpowered the co-pilot, stabilized the Boeing 737, and successfully landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Hamdan expressed his pride in Capt Machchhar, calling him part of their team and representing the UAE's values.

The attorney general of the UAE revealed that the co-pilot had attacked the captain using a crash axe, attempting to take control of the plane and potentially carry out a terrorist act. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances and motives behind the incident.