UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed praised the crew of flydubai flight FZ1073 in a video that quickly spread online, telling them: "Whatever has happened in your life, the UAE is your country; you have a home and a family here." the flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when the co-pilot, a 29-year-old Omani national, attempted to steer the aircraft toward the passenger terminal at Ben Gurion Airport. The captain, an Indian national, was attacked with an emergency axe by the co-pilot but managed, despite serious injuries, to lock himself out of reach and alert the rest of the crew to intervene. The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers and eight crew members — 182 people in total — was diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Reports indicate the injured captain is expected to need around two months to recover. During his meeting with the crew, Sheikh Mohamed also suggested additional training to help crews handle similar emergency situations in the future.
flydubai said the flight crew was awarded the "Zayed II" medal of honour in recognition of their courage and sense of responsibility during the crisis.
The incident, and the president's public gesture toward the crew, drew wide attention across UAE media and social platforms, with many residents praising the handling of the emergency and the government's gesture of support toward the affected employees.