HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, visited flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar.

Lauding his valour, Sheikh Hamdan said: "The flydubai pilot demonstrated the highest levels 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,'' he added.

In a statement, the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) too commended the remarkable courage and speed of response of the Indian pilot, Captain Machchhar Smit, and the crew of flydubai flight FZ1073, along with the passengers who contributed to bringing the situation under control.

The Authority said that their decisive and swift intervention, and the sense of responsibility behind it, helped contain the situation and prevented more serious consequences, reflecting a level of readiness, cooperation and shared responsibility in facing exceptional emergencies, reported Wam citing senior official.

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

On the ongoing probe, the Authority said it will not comment on any details or claims in circulation that could pre-empt the findings of the investigation or affect its course. It urged the public to rely on official sources and to refrain from circulating speculation and unverified information.

The findings of the investigation and any related developments will be announced through official channels once the necessary procedures have been completed, it added.