On Saturday, October 3, Dubai's Crown Prince and UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who is recuperating in a hospital after he was attacked mid-flight by his co-pilot.
Captain Smit has been receiving praise from across the world for opening the cockpit door despite being grievously injured, thus saving the lives of 174 passengers and crew aboard the flydubai flight.
Sheikh Hamdan inquired about Captain Smit's health and expressed his appreciation for his heroism.
After the visit, the crown prince tweeted: '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.'
Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff
Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
