UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum visited Indian pilot Smit Machchhar in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, commending his actions during an attack in the cockpit of a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.

In a post on X following the meeting, Hamdan said Machchhar had demonstrated courage, responsibility and concern for human life. He also conveyed the UAE leadership’s appreciation for the pilot.

“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,” Dubai’s Crown Prince wrote, describing the country as one of compassion, peace and life.

Machchhar is recovering after being attacked by his co-pilot aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 on Wednesday. He was initially treated in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the aircraft made an emergency landing, before being moved to Abu Dhabi.

UAE senior diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash also praised Machchhar, calling the incident a “dangerous terrorist act” and saying it could have resulted in a major disaster.

Attack on Dubai-Tel Aviv flight

According to the UAE Attorney General, the Omani co-pilot used the aircraft’s crash axe to attack Machchhar before attempting to take control of the plane. The flight was carrying 174 passengers.

Despite being injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door and alert others. Passengers and crew members then intervened and subdued the attacker. A reserve crew member on board subsequently landed the aircraft at Tabuk airport.

Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 indicated that the plane lost more than 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds while over Saudi Arabia.

The UAE Attorney General described the incident as a terrorist attack. Saudi authorities conducted an initial investigation alongside UAE security personnel before transferring the co-pilot to the Emirates, according to the report.

Co-pilot’s previous flying record under scrutiny

Al Arabiya identified the co-pilot as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national. The Associated Press also reported that three people familiar with the investigation, including two diplomats, confirmed his identity.

According to AP, Oman had earlier barred al-Hammami from flying over concerns about extremist views. He was subsequently employed by flydubai.

It is not yet clear what information the airline had about his earlier removal from flying duties or the checks conducted before his recruitment.

PM Modi speaks to injured pilot

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Machchhar over a video call on Friday and praised his response during the emergency, while wishing him a quick recovery.

Modi told the pilot that his split-second decisions had helped save the lives of passengers and said people across India were proud of him.

Machchhar described the conversation as a moment of pride and said he regarded the Prime Minister as his biggest idol. He added that he had never expected to get an opportunity to speak with him.

During the call, Modi also spoke about Machchhar’s mother, Geeta Ben, and said her upbringing had helped shape his values.

Machchhar told the Prime Minister that he recited the Hanuman Chalisa when facing difficult situations and had done so during the cockpit attack.