A senior UAE official has described the incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 as a “terrorist act” while praising Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his response during the mid-air crisis.
The UAE president’s adviser said Machchhar deserved appreciation for confronting what he described as a serious terrorist act and for bravely facing a potentially dangerous situation.
يستحق الطيار الهندي في “فلاي دبي” سميت ماتشهار كل التقدير، فقد جسّد في مواجهة عمل ارهابي خطير وكارثة محتملة معنى الشجاعة والمسؤولية. مهنيته وحسّه الأخلاقي في أحلك الظروف يجعلان منه بطلاً حقيقياً.
بعيدا عن الاختزال السهل لما جرى أو تبني وترويج نظريات المؤامرة، تبقى اليقظة…
— د. أنور قرقاش (@AnwarGargash) October 2, 2026
He also stressed the need for greater vigilance against extremism and terrorism.
Machchhar was seriously injured during the September 30 incident while operating the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight.
Following a confrontation inside the cockpit, the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely after passengers and crew intervened. The flight was carrying 174 passengers and eight crew members.
On Thursday, the UAE ordered an investigation into the stabbing incident, including any possible “terror” link. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said a specialised team from the Public Prosecution would examine the circumstances and causes of the incident.
The UAE said it has jurisdiction over the investigation because the aircraft is registered in the country and carries its flag. The ministry added that UAE law applies to crimes committed aboard the aircraft even outside UAE territory.
