NAIROBI, Kenya – Two Kenyan cabin crew members have received one of the United Arab Emirates’ top honours after helping protect passengers and attend to an injured pilot during a violent mid-air incident aboard a Flydubai flight in September.
David Kimotho, the flight’s purser and lead attendant, and fellow cabin crew member John Muchina were among the Flydubai crew recognised by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for their actions during the September 30 emergency aboard Flight FZ1073.
The crew received the First Class Order of Zayed II, an honour conferred in recognition of their courage and efforts to safeguard passengers during the incident.
The medals were presented by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who praised the crew’s professionalism, courage and sense of responsibility.
The recognition brings renewed attention to the role played by the Kenyan attendants during a flight that descended into an emergency while travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
How the Flight Turned Into a Mid-Air Emergency
Flight FZ1073 was disrupted on September 30 when a confrontation in the cockpit left the captain, Indian national Smit Machchhar, seriously injured after an attack by the co-pilot.
The incident prompted an emergency response involving cabin crew, passengers and other pilots aboard the aircraft. The plane was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Footage and audio from inside the aircraft later drew attention to two Kenyan crew members who could be heard speaking Kiswahili as they attended to the injured captain and helped maintain order in the cabin.
Kimotho and Muchina were identified in Kenyan media reports after the footage circulated, highlighting their role in assisting the wounded pilot and communicating with passengers during the unfolding crisis.
Their actions formed part of the wider response that helped bring the situation under control and allowed the aircraft to reach safety.
UAE President Recognises Crew’s Courage
The UAE presidential reception took place on October 27, with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praising the crew for their conduct during the incident.
According to the Emirates News Agency, the leaders commended the crew’s courage and professionalism in ensuring passenger safety and securing the aircraft.
The crew expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing the honour as a reflection of the UAE leadership’s appreciation for their service and dedication.
The award places the Kenyan attendants among the crew members formally recognised for their contribution during the emergency, alongside the wider Flydubai team involved in the response.
A Moment of Pride for Kenya
The recognition adds an international dimension to the story of the two Kenyan aviation workers whose actions attracted attention after the incident.
Their response involved more than attending to an injured colleague. They also helped manage passengers and maintain calm during a situation in which the aircraft’s safety had been threatened.
The September incident has also drawn attention to the demands placed on cabin crew during emergencies, when attendants must respond to medical needs, communicate instructions and support passengers while coordinating with the flight deck.
For Kimotho and Muchina, the UAE honour formally recognises their contribution during one of the most challenging moments of their professional careers.
The award ceremony follows weeks of attention surrounding Flight FZ1073 and the crew members whose actions helped bring the emergency to a safe conclusion.
