President Sheikh Mohamed Offers Jiu-Jitsu Training to Heroic flydubai Pilot Capt Smit Machchhar

President Sheikh Mohamed has extended a warm message of support to the brave flydubai pilot Capt Smit Machchhar and his crew, assuring them they are an integral part of the "UAE family." During an event in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed warmly greeted the Indian aviator, inquired about his recovery, and humorously offered to provide him with jiu-jitsu training.

Capt Smit gained international attention on September 30 after being attacked by his co-pilot during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The flydubai flight, FZ1073, experienced a rapid descent of 17,000 feet in under a minute when the co-pilot assaulted Capt Smit with an axe, attempting to take control of the aircraft. Despite severe injuries, the pilot managed to unlock and open the cockpit door, enabling the crew and passengers to intervene, subdue the assailant, and regain control of the plane. The flight was safely diverted and landed at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.

In a conversation conducted in English, Sheikh Mohamed asked about Capt Machchhar's recovery from his head injuries, which required stitches, and his arm, which was in a sling. Capt Machchhar indicated that his recovery would take approximately two months. Sheikh Mohamed then playfully suggested, "When you heal, I want to have a session with you to train you how to fight," recommending jiu-jitsu.

The candid exchange was captured in a video released by Emirates News. The pilot and his crew were honored for their bravery at a reception attended by other UAE leaders, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai. Sheikh Mohamed told the crew, "Whatever happened in your life, the UAE is your country. And there is a home for you here and you have a family."

Sheikh Mohamed conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II upon the flydubai flight 1073 crew, commending their courage during the mid-air incident that ensured the safety of over 170 passengers. Sheikh Hamdan presented the honors, praising the crew's actions and sense of responsibility. The leaders emphasized that preserving human safety and security is the UAE's paramount priority and core value.

Separately, UAE prosecutors revealed that the flydubai co-pilot had planned a 9/11-style suicide attack, intending to crash the passenger jet into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. The investigation by UAE authorities indicated the co-pilot, inspired by the 9/11 attacks, pursued an aviation career to execute such a plot. The suspect, who had previously worked for Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc, joined flydubai in January 2026. Despite meeting all professional and security requirements, including background checks, his extremist views and intentions were not detected during the recruitment process.