World · Middle East · 3 hrs ago
UAE president honours flydubai crew after September flight emergency
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed honoured flydubai Flight 1073’s crew in Abu Dhabi on October 27.
He awarded them the First Class Order of Zayed II for their actions during a mid-air emergency on September 30.
The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight plunged 17,000 feet in less than a minute after its first officer attacked the captain and took control, according to the account of the incident.
The UAE investigation found that the co-pilot planned to cause mass casualties at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport.
Crew members and passengers restrained the co-pilot after the captain managed to open the cockpit door; the captain was injured.
The crew’s response helped protect passengers and secure the aircraft, UAE leaders said.
The crew thanked the President and said they were proud to receive the honour.
The sources give no further update on what happens next.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan honoured flydubai Flight 1073 crew members for their actions during an in-flight emergency on September 30.
He conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on the crew at a meeting in Abu Dhabi on October 27.
The flight’s first officer attacked the captain and took control of the aircraft, which plunged 17,000 feet in less than a minute.
Crew members and passengers restrained the suspect and helped rescue the injured captain, according to The National.
UAE leaders praised the crew for protecting passengers and securing the aircraft.
- Who
- UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan honoured the flydubai Flight 1073 crew.
- What
- The crew received the First Class Order of Zayed II for their actions during an in-flight emergency.
- When
- The emergency happened on September 30; the crew were honoured on October 27, 2026.
- Where
- The ceremony was held in Abu Dhabi. The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
- Why
- The crew were recognised for their courage and actions to protect passengers and secure the aircraft.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
An emergency occurred aboard flydubai Flight 1073 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The captain was attacked, and crew members and passengers restrained the suspect and helped rescue the injured captain.
Sheikh Mohamed received the crew in Abu Dhabi and presented them with the First Class Order of Zayed II.
- Flight
- flydubai Flight 1073
- Emergency date
- September 30
- Flight route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Aircraft descent
- 17,000 feet in less than a minute
- Honour
- First Class Order of Zayed II
- Recognition date and place
- October 27, 2026, Abu Dhabi
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UAE President, in the presence of Mohammed bin Rashid, receives the flydubai crew members involved in the in-flight incident on 30 September. Their Highnesses praised the crew’s courage and professionalism in ensuring the safety of passengers and securing the aircraft, affirming