UAE Official Calls Plane Crash Attempt 'Terrorist Act' for First Time

Anwar Gargash, an advisor to the UAE President, has for the first time officially designated the attempted crash of a Flydubai flight as a "dangerous terrorist act." This statement comes as the investigation into the incident, which occurred on a flight from Israel, is being handled by Abu Dhabi. The captain of the flight, Smith Machchar, shared his harrowing experience from his hospital bed, recounting how he felt the plane plummeting and believed he had only seconds left to act. He described attempting to crawl and open the cockpit door.

Gargash praised Captain Machchar's actions in a post on X, calling him a "true hero" for his courage and responsibility in the face of a dangerous terrorist act and a potential disaster. He emphasized the importance of vigilance against extremism and terrorism without engaging in speculation. This is the first time an official Emirati source has labeled the event as terrorism, a distinction that some Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had previously avoided, though Defense Minister Israel Katz had called it a "jihadist attack attempt."

The investigation is currently focused within the UAE. Both the Indian captain and the Omani co-pilot have been transferred to the UAE, the flight's destination. Israel has requested observer status in the investigation, which is being conducted in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. While Saudi Arabia has not yet responded to this request, Israel hopes that cooperation with Abu Dhabi will facilitate greater Israeli involvement, even as observers.

Captain Machchar, speaking to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, detailed the critical moments of the incident. He explained that despite numerous injuries, he understood the severity of the situation and the lives of the 170 passengers depended on his immediate actions. He also expressed gratitude for the excellent medical care he received in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Prime Minister Modi commended Machchar's bravery, stating that Indians are known for risking their lives to save others, not for taking them.