HH Sheikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai, visited flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar on Saturday, 3 October, paying tribute to his courage and commitment to protecting human life.
What Did Sheikh Hamdan Say?
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.
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.
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) October 3, 2026
In a social media post, Sheikh Hamdan said the captain had shown the highest degrees of courage, responsibility and care for human life. He added that Captain Machchhar has the full appreciation and praise of both himself and the leadership of the nation.
Sheikh Hamdan said he was proud to have the pilot as part of the team and the story of the nation, and as someone who is “part of what the UAE stands for”. He described the UAE as a nation of compassion, peace and life. His visit adds the leadership’s personal recognition to the official commendation already issued.
Who Is Captain Smit Machchhar?
Captain Machchhar is the Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073. He was commended by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on 2 October, a day before Sheikh Hamdan’s visit.
Gcaa Commends Crew And Passengers
The authority praised Captain Machchhar, the crew of FZ1073 and the passengers who helped bring a security incident on board under control.
According to the GCAA, their swift and decisive intervention helped contain the situation and prevented more serious consequences. It said this reflected a level of readiness, cooperation and shared responsibility in facing exceptional emergencies.
The GCAA also confirmed that Captain Machchhar has returned safely to the UAE, is in good condition, and is receiving the necessary medical treatment.
Investigation Under Way
Authorities say investigations into the circumstances of the incident are continuing. The inquiry is being handled by a team formed from members of the Public Prosecution, following an order by the UAE Attorney-General.
Officials are working closely with relevant authorities and are coordinating with relevant regional and international bodies while protecting the confidentiality and integrity of the investigation.
The GCAA has said it will not comment on any details or claims in circulation that could pre-empt the findings, as mentioned in Gulf News. It has urged the public to rely on official sources and avoid sharing speculation or unverified information.
Also Read: Sheikh Hamdan Announces Second Rashid Village In Zanzibar With Homes, Schools & Healthcare
What’s Next?
Meanwhile, the focus is on the pilot’s recovery and the investigation. The results and any further developments on this matter will be announced via official channels after the completion of the required procedures.
Cover Image Courtesy: Sheikh Hamdan/X
FAQs
Who visited flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar?
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, visited him on Saturday, 3 October 2026.
How is Captain Smit Machchhar doing?
The GCAA says he has returned safely to the UAE, is in good condition and is receiving the necessary medical treatment.
Is there an investigation into the FZ1073 incident?
Yes. A team formed from members of the Public Prosecution is investigating on the Attorney-General's orders, and the findings will be announced through official channels.