Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum walked into the ICU at Abu Dhabi’s Al Zahra Hospital on October 3, 2026 to meet Indian captain Smit Machchhar, who survived a brutal mid‑flight attack.
The incident happened on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv when co‑pilot Hamam Alhammami swung a sharp axe inside the cockpit, causing the aircraft to lose altitude and endangering 170 passengers and crew. Machchhar, wounded but unbroken, opened the cockpit door and alerted cabin staff, allowing them to overpower the assailant.
The Crown Prince praised the captain’s composure and said on X that ‘he has our full appreciation and praise’ and added that he represents ‘the UAE’s values of compassion, peace and life.’
Machchhar, a 34‑year‑old Indian national, has flown for flydubai since 2010 and is known for his calm presence in emergencies.
Authorities have launched a joint investigation into the co‑pilot’s motives, while flydubai has pledged to review cockpit security protocols. The incident has prompted calls for tighter regulations in international aviation.