UAE First Labels Flydubai Incident a Terrorist Act

Anwar Gargash, Advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates, has for the first time officially designated the attempted crash of a Flydubai plane on September 30 as a "terrorist act." This marks the first instance of UAE authorities using such a term for the incident, which is currently under investigation in the Emirates. Gargash made the statement on social media platform X, commending the pilot, Smith Machchar, who had spoken with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Gargash stated that the pilot "deserves the highest praise" for demonstrating "true courage and responsibility" in the face of a "dangerous terrorist act and a potential catastrophe." He urged vigilance against extremism and terrorism without resorting to speculation or conspiracy theories.

In Israel, officials had previously been cautious. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the investigation into the attacker's motives was ongoing. However, Defense Minister Israel Katz had suggested on the evening of the incident that it was a "jihadist terror attempt." Netanyahu, in a US interview on October 1, stated that while he could not yet confirm Iranian involvement, the investigation would uncover the truth about the attacker and any potential accomplices or state sponsors.

Netanyahu later commented that the picture was becoming clearer, referring to the pilot and his colleagues as heroes who prevented a "9/11 scale disaster." He added that the attacker had undergone "Islamist radicalization" and intended to crash the plane, and that any entity that directed him would pay a high price.

The investigation was transferred to the UAE on October 1, after the Indian pilot and an Omani co-pilot were brought to the Emirates, the country from which the flight had departed. Israel's request for its representatives to observe the investigation in Saudi Arabia and the UAE was denied by Riyadh. Israel now hopes for close cooperation with Abu Dhabi to actively participate in the investigation, even as observers. It was later reported that Israeli investigators would travel to Abu Dhabi to question the Omani pilot.

Pilot Smith Machchar appeared publicly for the first time on October 2. While hospitalized, he recounted to Prime Minister Modi the critical moments before averting the disaster. He described severe injuries and the sensation of the plane rapidly descending, prompting him to crawl and open the door, after which others assisted. Machchar expressed gratitude for the medical care received in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, stating, "I understood that if I did not show courage, 170 passengers would die."

Prime Minister Modi thanked Machchar for his bravery, saying, "The entire country is praying for you. Your courage, composure, and calmness saved many lives." Machchar, visibly emotional, told Modi he was an idol and never expected to speak with him.