Abu Dhabi: UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash has described the cockpit attack aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv as a “dangerous terrorist act”, as investigations continue into the incident that forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Gargash, a diplomatic adviser to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, praised Indian captain Smit Machchhar for his actions during the September 30 incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073.
In a post on X, Gargash said Machchhar showed “courage and responsibility” while confronting what he described as a dangerous terrorist act and a potential disaster. He also called for vigilance against extremism and terrorism and cautioned against speculation or conspiracy theories surrounding the incident.
However, the UAE's formal investigation has not yet established a terrorist motive.
The UAE Attorney-General on Thursday ordered a specialised Public Prosecution team to investigate the incident in coordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority and other authorities. The probe is examining the circumstances and motives and whether the incident was linked to terrorist activity, prior planning or direction.
Flydubai flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport on September 30 when a confrontation occurred in the cockpit.
According to Reuters, the co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed Machchhar before the aircraft entered a rapid descent of nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Machchhar, despite being seriously injured, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene.
Two other Flydubai pilots who were travelling on the aircraft then helped regain control of the plane. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Flydubai confirmed that the aircraft had landed safely and that all passengers were safe and accounted for. The airline said it was working with the relevant authorities and would provide further information as confirmed details became available.
Reuters reported that the flight was carrying 174 passengers. The aircraft had more than 170 people on board, while crew members were also present.
Israeli officials have identified the attacker as an Omani national. The Jerusalem Post, citing sources familiar with the investigation, reported on Friday that he did not hold a second nationality.
The same report said sources disputed the suggestion that the Israel-UAE aviation agreement required pilots operating flights between the two countries to be nationals of countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the co-pilot underwent what he described as “Islamist radical indoctrination” and appeared to have been suicidal. Reuters reported that Israeli security officials initially believed he may have acted alone, although the investigation remained ongoing.
Netanyahu has also said it was too early to establish whether the suspect had any connection to Iran. No evidence establishing Iranian involvement had been reported at the time of the latest reports.
Separately, i24NEWS reported on Friday, citing an Emirati source, that leaflets associated with “Free Palestine” groups were found among the Omani co-pilot's belongings.
The report also alleged that the co-pilot had expressed support for Palestinians and hostility towards Israel. These claims have not been established by the UAE's formal investigation and should therefore be treated as investigative reporting rather than confirmed findings.
The UAE's Attorney-General has specifically urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information until investigators establish the facts.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority said the September 30 incident was brought under control and that its investigators, working with relevant authorities, were examining both the operational and security aspects of the incident.
The UAE's formal probe will also examine whether the incident involved terrorist activity or purpose and whether there was any prior planning or direction.
The classification by Gargash therefore marks a significant public characterisation of the incident by a senior UAE official, but the final findings on the motive and whether the attack constituted a planned terrorist operation remain pending.
(With inputs from agencies)