Two Kenyan cabin crew members, David Kimotho and John Muchina, have been honoured by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for their response during a mid-air emergency aboard a Flydubai passenger plane in September.
The two were among the crew members awarded the Order of Zayed II, First Class, by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in recognition of their efforts to protect passengers during the incident.
The honours were presented by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, alongside other senior UAE officials.
What happened aboard the flight?
The incident occurred on September 30, 2026, aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Israel.
The Boeing 737 was carrying more than 170 passengers and crew members when a violent confrontation broke out in the cockpit, leaving the captain seriously injured and prompting an emergency diversion.
According to an update issued by the UAE Attorney-General on October 9, 2026, investigators found that the Omani co-pilot had planned to seize control of the aircraft and carry out a suicide attack targeting the passenger terminal at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.
The Attorney-General said the captain was attacked with an emergency axe while the plane was in flight. The captain resisted and attempted to call for help as the situation escalated.
A pilot travelling on the aircraft who was assigned to its return flight became suspicious after noticing unusual movements at the cockpit door. He intervened after gaining access, with assistance from a cabin crew member and several passengers.
How the Kenyan crew members responded
Kimotho and Muchina rushed to assist the injured captain as the emergency unfolded. They checked his condition, helped position him safely, and worked to maintain order among passengers.
Footage from inside the aircraft captured crew members speaking in Swahili as they assessed the captain’s condition and tried to help him. Their response took place as other crew members and passengers worked to restrain the co-pilot and secure the cockpit.
The pilots regained control of the aircraft and diverted it to Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Flydubai later confirmed that all 172 passengers and crew members were safe and accounted for. The injured captain received medical treatment and subsequently returned to the UAE after being cleared by doctors.
UAE recognises crew’s bravery
The UAE’s recognition acknowledges the crew’s role in responding to an emergency that investigators said involved a planned attempt to seize the aircraft.
The Order of Zayed II is a UAE civil decoration awarded for distinguished service and significant contributions. The award places the two Kenyans among the crew members recognised for helping protect passengers during the incident.
Following the emergency, Flydubai said it was cooperating with authorities investigating the circumstances surrounding the flight. The airline also temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel while the investigation continued.
For Kimotho and Muchina, the honour recognises their actions during a flight that became a life-threatening emergency, highlighting the role cabin crew play in protecting passengers when unexpected incidents occur in the air.
