SA pilot honoured by UAE after helping foil mid-air attack

A South African pilot from Kimberley in the Northern Cape has received a prestigious United Arab Emirates (UAE) honour after helping prevent a potential disaster aboard a passenger aircraft.

Rowan Tooth was among the FlyDubai crew members awarded the First Class Order of Zayed II in recognition of their bravery during an alleged attack on the flight deck.

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The incident happened on 30 September 2026 aboard FlyDubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

According to the UAE authorities, the aircraft’s co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain during the flight in what investigators described as a premeditated attempt to take control of the aircraft.

The plane was subsequently diverted to Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

South African pilot helped regain control

Tooth was serving as a relief pilot and was travelling on board the aircraft when the incident unfolded.

The co-pilot allegedly assaulted Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit, leaving him with serious head injuries.

The aircraft reportedly descended approximately 17 000 feet during the confrontation.

Cabin crew members and passengers intervened to restrain the alleged attacker. An Israeli passenger was among those who reportedly helped overpower him.

Tooth and another relief pilot from New Zealand then helped regain control of the aircraft and stabilise its flight path.

The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

All 182 people on board survived the incident, although the captain and co-pilot sustained injuries.

UAE honours crew for bravery

The UAE recognised the actions of the flight and cabin crew at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi this week.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on the crew in recognition of their courage, professionalism and response during the emergency.

The awards were presented by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The honour recognises the crew’s role in protecting the passengers and ensuring the aircraft reached the ground safely despite the dangerous situation.

Alleged plan to target Israeli airport

The UAE Public Prosecution subsequently released details of its investigation into the incident.

UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said investigators had uncovered evidence of an alleged plan to seize control of the aircraft and crash it into the passenger terminal at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport.

Investigators reportedly found that the suspect had taken two earlier flights to Tel Aviv to familiarise himself with the route and airport.

The investigation also examined the suspect’s alleged exposure to extremist material and his previous employment with other airlines.

According to the prosecution, the suspect had worked for Oman Air between 2020 and 2024, joined Royal Air Maroc in early 2025 and moved to FlyDubai in January 2026.

The Attorney-General said the suspect had passed the professional and security checks conducted during recruitment.

The investigation is continuing, with authorities examining the evidence and whether anyone else may have been involved.

Kimberley connection

Reports have identified Tooth as the son of the late Barry Tooth, a well-known figure in Kimberley and Griquas sport.

His actions, alongside those of the other relief pilot, cabin crew members and passengers, helped bring the emergency under control and ensure the safe landing of the aircraft.