According to a report by Arab Satellite TV on October 2, UAE President's Advisor Anwar Gargash stated that the conflict that occurred on a Dubai Airlines flight heading to Israel this week was a 'terrorist act'.
Garchash praised the captain who still tried to prevent the plane from crashing after being attacked by the co-pilot. He called the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, a “true hero” who deserves “everyone’s respect”.
"Facing serious acts of terrorism and a potential disaster, he demonstrated the true meaning of courage and responsibility." said Gajjar.
He added: “Facing the threats of extremist and terrorist ideologies, maintaining vigilance and caution remains paramount.”
On September 30 local time, during flight FZ1073 of Dubai Airways, flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Israel, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain in the cockpit, causing the plane to drop by about 4200 meters within 30 seconds. After other crew members and passengers subdued the attacker, the crew regained control of the plane.
Machihar spoke publicly about this matter for the first time on Friday. He said that during the attack, he finally “put all his strength into” opening the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and regain control of the aircraft.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously stated that this was an attempted terrorist attack against Israelis, the UAE, and the Abraham Accords, aimed at damaging relations between Israel and the UAE.
According to the British newspaper Daily Mail, the pilot suspected of attempted hijacking is reported to be a religious extremist from Oman. Israel is investigating why this person was granted flying privileges.
According to a report by The Associated Press on October 2nd, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israeli authorities are investigating the incident. The United States and Oman are also assisting in determining the motives behind the attack.
