- October 2, 2026
UAE Calls Flydubai Incident ‘Terrorist Act’, Praises Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar
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The UAE has described the Flydubai cockpit attack as a terrorist act while praising Indian Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage during the incident.
The remarks came two days after Flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was forced to divert to Saudi Arabia following an altercation in the cockpit
The UAE has described the attack aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv as a “terrorist act”, as authorities continue investigating the incident and its motive. UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash made the remarks while praising Indian Captain Smit Machchhar for his actions during the mid air emergency.
Gargash said Machchhar “deserves every appreciation” for confronting what he called a serious terrorist act and a potential disaster. He added that the Indian pilot had shown “courage and responsibility” during the incident. Gargash also described Machchhar as a “true hero,” praising his professionalism and moral conviction under extremely difficult circumstances, according to his post on X.
“Indian flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar deserves the highest praise. In confronting a serious terrorist act and a potential catastrophe, he embodied courage and responsibility,” Gargash wrote.
He also urged people to avoid “simplistic interpretations” and the promotion of “conspiracy theories.” He stressed that vigilance and preparedness remained important in dealing with the threat posed by extremism and terrorism.
The remarks came two days after Flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was forced to divert to Saudi Arabia following an altercation in the cockpit. According to Saudi authorities, the captain was attacked by his co-pilot, leaving both pilots injured. The aircraft later landed safely at Tabuk Airport.
During the incident, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and restrain the attacker. Other pilots on board then helped take control of the aircraft. Machchhar was later transferred to the UAE for treatment and is recovering.
The UAE had earlier ordered a formal investigation into the incident. The probe is examining the circumstances and motive behind the attack, including whether it was connected to “any terrorist activity or purpose” and whether it involved “prior planning or direction”.
The UAE has also stressed that its judicial authorities have jurisdiction over the case because the aircraft is registered in the country and operates under its flag. Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information while the investigation continues.
Gargash’s remarks mark the first public characterisation of the incident as a “terrorist act” by a senior UAE official, although the formal investigation into the attack and its motive is still underway.
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Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can …Read More
October 02, 2026, 17:48 IST
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