Kenyan cabin crew members David Kimotho and John Muchina have been honoured by the United Arab Emirates for their heroic actions during a mid-air emergency on a Flydubai flight. The incident occurred on September 30, when an altercation broke out in the cockpit between the captain and first officer, leaving the captain injured and forcing an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Kimotho and Muchina were among the cabin crew who helped respond to the emergency.
The UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on the Flydubai crew members involved in the incident, in recognition of their courageous efforts to ensure the safety of passengers. The honours were presented on October 27 by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The award recognised the crew's efforts to protect passengers during the incident.
The incident occurred aboard a Boeing 737 MAX operating Flydubai's Dubai-Tel Aviv route on September 30. The aircraft departed Dubai International Airport at approximately 3:05am GMT, and about two hours into the journey, an altercation erupted in the flight deck between the captain and first officer. Israeli officials said the co-pilot attacked the captain with a knife and appeared to be attempting to crash the aircraft.
Saudi authorities subsequently confirmed that preliminary investigations indicated the co-pilot had assaulted the captain, leaving both pilots injured. Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft losing more than 16,000 feet in just over 30 seconds during its most dramatic descent. The aircraft also transmitted emergency signals, including a code associated with unlawful interference.
As the emergency unfolded, passengers and crew members moved towards the front of the aircraft. Accounts reported by Reuters said the injured captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing people to enter and help restrain the co-pilot. Kimotho and Muchina helped manage the unfolding emergency in the cabin, including attending to the injured captain and maintaining order among frightened passengers.
The aircraft diverted to Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, north-western Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely at 9:45am local time. Saudi authorities said the 174 passengers and eight crew members received the necessary care. Both the captain and co-pilot were taken to hospital for treatment. Passengers remained in Tabuk while Flydubai arranged an alternative aircraft.
The October 27 ceremony marked official recognition of the crew's response. The UAE said the honour reflected their courage, professionalism and commitment to passenger safety. Kimotho and Muchina's actions formed part of the wider response by crew members and passengers to secure the aircraft. Two off-duty Flydubai pilots travelling aboard the flight also helped take control of the situation and bring the aircraft to a safe landing.
Key points
- UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on the Flydubai crew members involved in the September 30 incident.
- The incident occurred aboard a Boeing 737 MAX operating Flydubai's Dubai-Tel Aviv route on September 30.
- The aircraft diverted to Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, north-western Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely at 9:45am local time.
