UAE Diplomat Calls FlyDubai Hijacking Attempt 'Dangerous Terrorist Act'

Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the president of the United Arab Emirates, on Friday labeled the attempted hijacking of a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv as a "dangerous terrorist act." In a post on X, Gargash praised the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed by his Omani co-pilot during the incident. Gargash stated that the captain "embodied courage and responsibility in the face of a dangerous terrorist act and a potential catastrophe," adding that his professionalism made him a "true hero."

Despite his injuries, the captain resisted his attacker and managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene. Several travelers subdued the co-pilot, while relief pilots on board took control of the aircraft and landed it in Saudi Arabia. The flight had been diverted to Tabuk airport following the captain's assault and a sharp drop in altitude.

Gargash also emphasized the need for vigilance against extremism and terrorism, warning against the spread of conspiracy theories related to the attack. Passengers were later returned to Israel on a different aircraft. The article also briefly mentions Israeli President Herzog proposing to decorate four civilians who helped prevent the tragedy.