Dubai Crown Prince says pilot has earned the full appreciation and praise of the UAE leadership.
Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, visited flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar on Saturday and praised his courage, sense of responsibility and commitment to protecting human life.
In a social media post following the visit, Sheikh Hamdan said Machchhar had demonstrated “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,” Sheikh Hamdan stressed.
“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,” Sheikh Hamdan added.
The visit follows praise from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority for Machchhar, the crew of flydubai flight FZ1073 and passengers who helped bring a security incident aboard the aircraft under control.
The authority confirmed that Machchhar had returned safely to the UAE and was in good condition while continuing to receive medical treatment.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing. A specialised team comprising members of the Public Prosecution was formed following an order by the UAE Attorney-General to investigate the case.
Authorities are also coordinating with relevant regional and international bodies while ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of the investigation are maintained.
