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UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash described the incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 as a terrorist act in a post on X. Gargash called Captain Smit Machchhar a true hero who deserved every appreciation for confronting the assault. In confronting a serious terrorist act and a potential disaster, he embodied the true meaning of courage and responsibility, Gargash said. Vigilance and caution remain essential in the face of the dangers of extremism and terrorism, the adviser added.
The attack occurred on September 30, 2026, aboard the Dubai to Tel Aviv flight when the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar inside the cockpit. Despite serious injuries, the Indian captain made one last push to unlock the cockpit door, according to his first public remarks. This action allowed passengers and crew to intervene, overpower the assailant and regain control of the aircraft, which carried 174 people including mostly Israeli passengers and eight crew members.
The plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where an off-duty crew member brought it down safely. Both Machchhar and the co-pilot were medically cleared before being transferred to the United Arab Emirates accompanied by an Emirati security team. UAE authorities have not disclosed the co-pilot’s identity as investigations proceed.
Attorney-General Dr Hamad Al Shamsi ordered the formation of a specialised team from the Public Prosecution to investigate the circumstances and motive of the incident. The probe will examine whether there was any connection to terrorist activity, prior planning or direction, according to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Israeli officials had characterised the assault as an attempted Islamist attack, though the UAE had initially limited its public comments to the ongoing investigation.
Gargash cautioned against simplistic interpretations and the spread of conspiracy theories in his statement. The presidential adviser highlighted Machchhar’s professionalism and sense of morality under the most difficult circumstances. Machchhar later recounted the ordeal in a conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi while recovering in hospital.
The Dubai-based low-cost carrier flydubai had operated the route that has become routine since the normalisation of ties between the UAE and Israel. Reports from multiple outlets detailed how the aircraft lost altitude dramatically during the confrontation before control was restored. The incident marks the first time a senior UAE official has publicly labelled the event a terrorist act.
