Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Saturday visited flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and paid tribute to his courage, sense of responsibility, and commitment to protecting human life, Gulf News reported.

Sheikh Hamdan, who is also the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said in a social media post that Machchhar had shown "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," he said.

Sheikh Hamdan said the country was proud that the pilot was part of the team and of what the UAE stands for, describing it as a nation of compassion, peace, and life.

The visit followed a commendation from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority for Machchhar, the crew of flydubai flight FZ1073 and the passengers who helped bring a security incident aboard the aircraft under control.

The authority confirmed that Machchhar had returned safely to the UAE, was in good condition, and was receiving medical treatment.

An investigation into the circumstances of the incident is under way. It is being carried out by a team drawn from the Public Prosecution, formed on the order of the UAE Attorney-General. Authorities are coordinating with relevant regional and international bodies while keeping the inquiry confidential, Gulf News reported.

Source: Gulf News