Two Kenyan cabin crew members, David Kimotho and John Muchina, have received the United Arab Emirates’ First Class Order of Zayed II in recognition of their bravery during a hijacking attempt aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 on September 30, 2026.
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the honours at a ceremony on October 27, which was attended by senior UAE officials, including Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met the crew members, commending them for their composure and professionalism during the incident.
The leaders praised their efforts to protect passengers and help secure the aircraft, reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to prioritizing human life and public safety.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met the crew members, commending them for their composure and professionalism during the incident.
The leaders praised their efforts to protect passengers and help secure the aircraft, reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to prioritizing human life and public safety.
What Does the First Class Order of Zayed II Mean For David Kimotho and John Muchina
The First Class Order of Zayed II is a prestigious civilian honour the United Arab Emirates awards to recognize exceptional service and significant contributions to the country.
Named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding president, the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, confers the order under his authority.
The decoration recognizes distinguished contributions in areas such as diplomacy, international cooperation, economic partnerships and public service.
It also honours individuals whose actions demonstrate exceptional courage in protecting human life and public safety.
For Kenyan cabin crew members David Kimotho and John Muchina, the award recognizes their bravery during the mid-air emergency aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 on September 30, 2026.
Their actions in helping the injured captain and protecting passengers earned them recognition from UAE leaders.
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How the Mid-Air Attack Unfolded
On September 30, 2026, Flydubai flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a violent confrontation erupted in the cockpit, turning the journey into a life-threatening emergency.
The co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, with a cockpit axe.
UAE prosecutors later described the incident as an attempted terrorist attack, alleging that the co-pilot intended to crash the aircraft into Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport.
Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and overpower the attacker.
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Kenyan cabin crew members David Kimotho and John Muchina were among those who responded. They helped attend to the injured captain while reassuring passengers and maintaining order amid the unfolding crisis.
Two other Flydubai pilots travelling aboard the aircraft later took control and diverted the plane to Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Although the aircraft reportedly plunged thousands of feet during the struggle, all passengers and crew members survived.
The co-pilot was taken into custody, while Machchhar received initial treatment in Tabuk before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further medical care.
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