A senior UAE official has described the incident aboard a flydubai flight to Israel as a “terrorist act”. He also praised the pilot who helped prevent a possible disaster.
Presidential adviser Anwar Gargash praised Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, following the incident. Machchhar helped keep the aircraft under control after his co-pilot attacked him during the flight.
Gargash described Machchhar as a “true hero” and said he deserved “every appreciation”.
“In confronting a serious terrorist act and a potential disaster, he embodied the true meaning of courage and responsibility,” Gargash said.
What Happened Aboard the Flydubai Flight?
The aircraft was carrying 174 people when the incident occurred during its flight toward Israel.
According to the details available, the pilot was stabbed by his co-pilot during the flight. The attack forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
The incident triggered immediate action inside the aircraft as the crew worked to regain control. Meanwhile, the exact circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation.
The two men involved have since been transferred to the United Arab Emirates. Authorities are investigating both the incident and the motive of the alleged attacker.
Pilot Describes How Cockpit Door Was Opened
Machchhar has now spoken publicly about the incident for the first time since the attack.
He said he made one “last push” to unlock the cockpit door while the attack was taking place. This allowed passengers and crew members to intervene and regain control of the aircraft.
His actions came during a critical moment for the flight. The aircraft had a large number of passengers on board, making the situation particularly serious.
The flight was carrying mostly Israeli passengers. It also had eight crew members on board.
UAE Official Warns About Extremism
Gargash also stressed the importance of remaining alert following the incident. His comments came as authorities continued investigating what happened aboard the aircraft.
“Vigilance and caution remain essential in the face of the dangers of extremism and terrorism,” Gargash said.
However, the exact motive behind the attack has not yet been established. Authorities in the UAE are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The investigation is expected to clarify what led to the confrontation inside the cockpit and the events that followed.
For now, the incident has drawn attention to the actions of the pilot and crew. Machchhar’s account also provides further details about how control of the aircraft was eventually regained.
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