UAE brands attempted hijacking of Israel-bound flight as a 'terrorist act'

Anwar Gargash becomes first Emirati official to describe the attack as terrorism, praising Indian pilot Smit Machchhar’s courage in averting disaster

Ariel Oseran
Ariel Oseran ■ Senior Middle East Correspondent, i24NEWS English Channel ■ 
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Emirati Foreign Affairs Minister Anwar Gargash at the World Government Summit in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
Emirati Foreign Affairs Minister Anwar Gargash at the World Government Summit in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi

UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash described the attempted hijacking of a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight as “terrorism,” marking the first such designation by an Emirati official, and praised the Indian captain’s heroism.

Investigations into hijack attempt: terrorist motive being examined in Flydubai hijacking attempt
Investigations into hijack attempt: terrorist motive being examined in Flydubai hijacking attempt

“The Indian pilot at Flydubai, Smit Machchhar, deserves every bit of appreciation, for he embodied the meaning of courage and responsibility in the face of a dangerous terrorist act and a potential disaster. His professionalism and moral sense in the darkest of circumstances make him a true hero,” Gargash said.

Potential relationship with Saudi Arabia amid FlyDubai plane incident
Potential relationship with Saudi Arabia amid FlyDubai plane incident

“Far from the easy reduction of what happened or the adoption and promotion of conspiracy theories, vigilance and caution remain essential in confronting the risks of extremism and terrorism.”

The co-pilot, identified by Israeli authorities as an Omani national, stabbed Machchhar during Wednesday’s flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv in an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. Despite his injuries, the captain opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. Two reserve pilots took control and landed the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Investigations underway into how an Omani national became the co-pilot of an Israel-bound flight
Investigations underway into how an Omani national became the co-pilot of an Israel-bound flight

The UAE’s attorney general ordered an investigation into whether the attack involved a terrorist motive or prior planning. Machchhar, who is recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital, recounted his actions in a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

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