Anwar Gargash, Adviser to the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has described the incident aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv as a “terrorist act”.
Gargash made the comment on Friday while commending the aircraft’s Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, for averting a potential disaster after an alleged attack by the co-pilot.
In a post on X, Gargash said the captain deserved “every appreciation” for demonstrating courage and responsibility during what he described as a dangerous terrorist act.
“His professionalism and moral sense in the darkest of circumstances make him a true hero,” he said.
Flydubai flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday when the incident occurred.
The aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely in Tabuk following the incident.
Media reports said the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a knife in the cockpit, causing the aircraft to make a sudden descent.
Other crew members and passengers reportedly overpowered the attacker, allowing the crew to regain control of the aircraft.
The UAE Attorney-General on Thursday ordered the formation of an investigation team to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether it was linked to terrorist activity.
