flydubai said on Wednesday that the UAE President has conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on the crew of flight FZ1073, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia on September 30 after a security incident in the cockpit.

flydubai Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said the airline was "deeply honoured" by the UAE leadership's recognition of its colleagues. He said the crew's "bravery, courage and professionalism in protecting passengers" reflect the values that unite the airline. He added that the UAE is home to people of hundreds of nationalities, all bound by a commitment to the country's safety, security and success.

flydubai said that flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Tabuk Airport, in northwestern Saudi Arabia, after a security incident in the cockpit. All 172 passengers and crew on board were reported safe. The airline said the aircraft was secured by on-duty crew travelling on the flight, who diverted it and landed safely. flydubai has said some crew were injured. It has also said off-duty crew travelling on the flight secured the aircraft.

The UAE Attorney General, Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, said on October 3 that investigations had found the co-pilot attempted a terrorist act. He said the co-pilot attacked the captain with an emergency crash axe and tried to take control of the aircraft. He said the investigation was continuing. flydubai has said it cannot comment beyond its published statements while the official investigation continues.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited the flight's captain, Smit Machchhar, on October 3. Machchhar was reported to be recovering in the UAE.

Source: flydubai