Dubai Crown Prince visits 'hero' pilot Smit Machchhar in hospital
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited Indian pilot Smit Machchhar at a hospital in the UAE, where he is recovering from serious injuries sustained during a mid-air attack by his co-pilot.
Machchhar has been widely praised for his courage after opening the cockpit door despite being badly injured, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker and helping prevent a potential disaster.
'We are proud of him'
Following his meeting with Machchhar, Sheikh Hamdan expressed his "full appreciation and praise" for the Indian captain.
"From us, and from the leadership of the nation, he has our full appreciation and praise," the Crown Prince wrote on X.
"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.
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.
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) October 3, 2026
Photographs shared from the visit showed Sheikh Hamdan speaking with Machchhar and embracing him at the hospital.
Pilot opened cockpit door despite injuries
Machchhar was captaining a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv when his Omani co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked him with a crash axe inside the cockpit.
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During the struggle, the aircraft rapidly lost altitude, raising fears of a catastrophic crash.
Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door and alert those on board. Passengers and crew then rushed into the cockpit and subdued the attacker.
Other pilots aboard the aircraft subsequently took control and safely landed the plane in Saudi Arabia.
Global praise for Indian Captain
Machchhar's actions have drawn praise from leaders across the world, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.
The Indian Embassy in the UAE said Machchhar remained under "excellent medical care" and was recovering well.
"We are in touch with his family and local authorities, extending support for a speedy recovery. Our thanks to the UAE government for their care," the embassy said.
Probe into co-pilot's motive continues
The motive behind the alleged attack remains under investigation.
The UAE is leading the probe and is examining whether the incident was connected to any terrorist activity or purpose.
Reports have also said that Al-Hammami had previously been barred from flying in Oman over concerns about his alleged extremist ideology.
The co-pilot was born in the UAE to an Omani father and Syrian mother and had spent several years in the country.
Machchhar remains in hospital recovering from his injuries. His father, Bhupendra Machchhar, told NDTV that it could take considerable time for his wounds to heal completely.
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