Two Kenyan cabin crew members, David Kimotho and John Muchina, have been honoured by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for their bravery and professionalism during a mid-air emergency aboard a Flydubai passenger aircraft in September.
The two received the prestigious First Class Order of Zayed II in recognition of their efforts to protect passengers and assist an injured captain during the incident involving Flydubai Flight FZ1073 on September 30, 2026.
According to reports published on Wednesday, October 28, the awards were conferred by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and presented by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on October 27.
The ceremony 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.
Kenyan crew members respond to cockpit emergency
The incident occurred aboard a Boeing 737 aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Israel, with 172 passengers and crew members on board.
A confrontation in the cockpit left Captain Smit Machchhar seriously injured, triggering a struggle to secure the aircraft and protect those on board.
Kimotho and Muchina rushed to assist the injured captain, checking his condition and helping to position him safely as the emergency unfolded. They also helped maintain order among frightened passengers while other crew members and passengers responded to the crisis.
Footage from the aircraft, reported by Daily Nation, captured the Kenyan attendants speaking in Swahili as they assisted the captain.
One was heard saying, “Cheki kama anaongea, umwongeleshe,” meaning, “Check if he’s talking; talk to him.”
Another said, “Mweke huku chini,” meaning, “Put him down here.”
As the situation escalated, passengers and crew members intervened to contain the confrontation, while a doctor travelling aboard the flight reportedly assisted the injured captain.
Two off-duty Flydubai pilots who were travelling on the aircraft later helped secure the plane and divert it to Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
In a statement following the incident, Flydubai Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith confirmed that all 172 passengers and crew members were safe.
“I am relieved to confirm that all 172 passengers and crew on board are safe and being cared for,” Al Ghaith said, adding that the captain had returned to the UAE after receiving medical clearance.
He also expressed gratitude to the captain, the pilots who secured the aircraft, the cabin crew and passengers who assisted during the emergency.
The First Class Order of Zayed II is a high-level UAE civilian decoration recognising distinguished service and exceptional contributions.
In announcing the honours, the Dubai Media Office said the awards recognised the crew members’ “courageous efforts to ensure the safety of passengers.”
The Crown Prince also commended the crew for their actions and sense of responsibility during the incident.
Flydubai has said a full official investigation is underway in coordination with the relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the cockpit incident.
The recognition of Kimotho and Muchina highlights the critical role played by cabin crew in protecting passengers and responding to life-threatening emergencies aboard commercial aircraft.
