Brief
UAE adviser labels Flydubai cockpit assault a terrorist act and praises Captain Machchhar
UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash termed the Flydubai FZ1073 cockpit assault a terrorist act and highlighted Captain Smit Machchhar's bravery after the September 30 incident.
By Felo News Desk · Published
UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash described the September 30 assault on Flydubai flight FZ1073 as a "terrorist act" and praised Indian Captain Smit Machchhar for his actions that prevented a disaster, DNA India reported.
What happened
On September 30, 2026, a co‑pilot allegedly used a crash axe to attack Captain Machchhar aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The captain was stabbed and fell to the cockpit floor, but he managed to open the cockpit door and help restrain the attacker. Passengers and crew intervened, allowing the aircraft to divert safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All 174 passengers and crew survived the incident.
What the reports add
DNA India noted that Gargash’s statement on X was the first time a UAE official publicly termed the incident a terrorist act. He also emphasized the need for vigilance against extremism. The outlet highlighted that the captain sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized, while the aircraft remained registered under the UAE flag, giving the UAE jurisdiction to order a probe.
What was said
Gargash wrote on X, "Vigilance and precaution are necessary in the face of extremism and terrorism," and added that Captain Machchhar deserved appreciation for confronting a serious terrorist act and bravely facing a potential disaster.
How it came about
The attack occurred during a routine Dubai‑Tel Aviv service. Earlier Felo News coverage documented the same incident, reporting the UAE’s decision to launch a special investigation and the identification of the Omani co‑pilot as a suspect. Those pieces provide context for Gargash’s recent remarks.
Key facts
- UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash called the Flydubai cockpit assault a terrorist act. (dnaindia.com)
- Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed with a crash axe but helped restrain the attacker. (dnaindia.com)
- The flight diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and all 174 passengers and crew survived. (dnaindia.com)
- Gargash posted on X urging vigilance against extremism after the incident. (dnaindia.com)
Sources
- [1] dnaindia.com — originally reported as “UAE terms Flydubai cockpit attack a 'terrorist act', hails Indian Captain Smit Machchhar's bravery”
