The United Arab Emirates has commended Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot with flydubai, for his remarkable bravery and sense of duty in preventing what could have been a disastrous situation during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Officials labeled the incident, which involved an assault in the cockpit by the co-pilot, as a “serious terrorist incident.”
After the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, Captain Machchhar was airlifted to the UAE for treatment due to severe injuries sustained during the attack. He is currently receiving medical care in a hospital located in Abu Dhabi.
Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the UAE President, expressed deep admiration for Machchhar, stating that he “deserves the highest praise.” In a message posted in Arabic on X, Gargash highlighted Machchhar’s display of courage and accountability in the face of a grave terrorist threat. He described the pilot as a “true hero” for his professionalism and moral strength during such dire circumstances. Gargash also emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant against potential future acts of extremism and cautioned against the spread of conspiracy theories regarding the event.
According to a report from the Associated Press, Israel plans to initiate repatriation flights on Friday to assist passengers who have become stranded in the UAE due to the suspension of commercial flights following the attack.
Authorities from Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other regions are currently managing the repercussions of this incident aboard the flydubai flight. The report mentioned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated claims that the co-pilot, an Omani national, had been subject to “Islamist radical indoctrination,” although he did not provide any supporting evidence for this assertion.
Netanyahu stated in a video message that investigations are ongoing to determine if the co-pilot was directed by someone, warning that any individuals responsible would face severe consequences.
U.S. President Donald Trump indicated to reporters that preliminary information suggests a connection between the attack and Iran, but he did not provide further details. He added that if it is confirmed that Iranian agents were involved, the U.S. would respond with significant force.
While Israeli investigators are participating in the inquiry, Emirati authorities are leading the investigation, as reported by the Associated Press, citing an anonymous official.
