ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates / ConSynSer / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received the flydubai crew members involved in the in-flight incident on September 30, in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid is Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Their Highnesses praised the crew’s courage and professionalism in ensuring the safety of passengers and securing the aircraft. They affirmed that protecting people’s safety and security remains a top priority for the UAE.
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, also attended. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, was present along with Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Sheikh Ahmed is President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.
Other attendees included Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, and Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Zayed for Good Foundation. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, both Deputy Chairmen of the Presidential Court, were also present. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, joined a number of sheikhs, senior officials and guests.
Flight diverted to Saudi Arabia
The incident took place on flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. The Boeing 737-8 was diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia after what the airline described as an altercation on the flight deck. Tabuk Airport said air traffic control received a distress call at 8:44 a.m., and the aircraft landed safely at 9:45 a.m. All passengers were reported safe.
The captain and co-pilot were injured and taken to hospital. flydubai said off-duty crew members travelling on the flight helped secure the aircraft and land it safely. The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority described the event as a security incident and opened an investigation. Passengers later continued to Tel Aviv on a replacement aircraft.
Investigation and international praise
A preliminary investigation by Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry found that the co-pilot assaulted the captain during the flight, leaving both men injured. flydubai suspended flights to and from Israel while the investigation continues. The airline said other operations across its network were not affected. A senior flydubai official said the cause would become clear once investigators examine the aircraft’s flight recorders.
India’s Embassy identified the captain as Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, and said he was in stable condition. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Captain Machchhar by video call on October 2 and commended his bravery. flydubai, a Dubai-based carrier, began operations in 2009. The reception in Abu Dhabi marked official recognition from the UAE leadership of the crew’s role in protecting passengers.
