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UAE Labels Flydubai Incident 'Terrorist Act', Praises Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar
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News18•02-10-2026, 17:48
UAE Labels Flydubai Incident 'Terrorist Act', Praises Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar
- •The UAE has officially described the attack on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv as a “terrorist act,” with investigations ongoing into the incident and its motive.
- •UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash lauded Indian Captain Smit Machchhar as a “true hero” for his courage and professionalism in confronting the serious mid-air emergency.
- •During the incident, Machchhar, despite injuries, opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to restrain the co-pilot attacker, with other pilots then taking control.
- •The aircraft, Flydubai flight FZ1073, was forced to divert to Saudi Arabia and landed safely at Tabuk Airport after the altercation.
- •The UAE has initiated a formal investigation to determine if the attack was connected to any terrorist activity or prior planning, emphasizing its jurisdiction over the UAE-registered aircraft.
Key Questions Answered
Anwar Gargash praised Captain Smit Machchhar for displaying extraordinary courage, responsibility, and professionalism while confronting a serious terrorist act and potential disaster aboard a Flydubai flight.
The flight was forced to divert after an altercation occurred in the cockpit where the captain was attacked by his co-pilot, leaving both pilots injured.
The UAE asserts jurisdiction because the aircraft involved in the incident is registered in the country and operates directly under its flag.
