Two off-duty pilots who helped save a flydubai aircraft carrying Israeli passengers have been honored by the United Arab Emirates. Henson Steven of Fiji and Rowan Tooth of South Africa received a national award for their actions during a midair attack in September.
The pilots took control of the damaged aircraft after its copilot allegedly attacked the captain and tried to crash the plane. They then made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, helping protect everyone on board.
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan awarded the two pilots and other crew members the First Class Order of Zayed II. The honor recognized their courage and efforts to protect the passengers.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, personally presented the awards. The ceremony also brought attention to the roles played by several people who helped stop the attack.
The identities of Steven and Tooth had not been widely reported before the ceremony. Public attention had mainly focused on Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who was seriously injured while trying to stop the attacker and regain control of the cockpit.
The incident took place on September 30, 2026, during a flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft was carrying Israeli passengers when the copilot, identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked Machchhar with an emergency axe.
According to accounts of the incident, al-Hammami intended to take control of the aircraft and crash it into Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. The captain fought back despite suffering injuries. He managed to open the cockpit door, allowing several Israeli passengers to enter and help stop the attack.
The passengers tackled the copilot and restrained him after he attempted to take control of the plane. One passenger, Yaniv Hayun, briefly took the controls and helped stabilize the aircraft.
The situation remained dangerous even after the attacker was subdued. Reports said the plane plunged about 16,000 feet, or 4,900 meters, in around 30 seconds during the incident. The aircraft suffered damage to its rudder after the copilot allegedly put it into a steep dive.
Steven and Tooth were also on the flight, but they were not among the pilots assigned to operate it on the journey to Tel Aviv. The two off-duty pilots had been traveling to fly the aircraft on its return trip. Once the attack was stopped, they took control and worked to bring the damaged plane safely to the ground.
Their experience proved vital as the crew faced an emergency far from its intended destination. The pilots diverted the aircraft to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. The passengers later continued their journey to Tel Aviv on a replacement aircraft.
The emergency landing ended a frightening episode that could have resulted in many deaths. The actions of the captain, passengers and off-duty pilots helped prevent the aircraft from crashing.
Machchhar later described the struggle to open the cockpit door while defending himself against repeated blows. His efforts allowed passengers to enter and assist in restraining the attacker. Their intervention gave the crew a chance to regain control of the aircraft.
The incident also highlighted the risks faced by airline crews during an attack inside a cockpit. Pilots must manage the aircraft while responding to threats that can unfold within seconds. In this case, the crew and passengers had to act quickly as the aircraft lost altitude and sustained damage.
The UAE award recognizes the contribution of everyone involved in protecting those on board. Steven and Tooth played a critical role by taking control of the aircraft and carrying out the emergency landing. Their actions complemented the captain’s resistance and the passengers’ efforts to stop the copilot.
The case has drawn attention to the importance of teamwork during an aviation emergency. While the investigation and legal process surrounding the alleged attack remain separate matters, the safe landing showed how quick decisions and cooperation can help prevent disaster.
For the passengers aboard the flight, the emergency landing brought an end to a terrifying journey. For the pilots and crew, the recognition from the UAE marks an acknowledgment of their role in protecting lives during one of the flight’s most dangerous moments.
