Dubai, Oct 3: Senior UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash has praised Indian flydubai captain Smit Machchhar for his actions during what he described as a “serious terrorist incident” aboard a flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Machchhar was reportedly stabbed and seriously injured by his co-pilot inside the cockpit of flydubai flight FZ1073 on Wednesday.
Despite his injuries, the Indian pilot managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to overpower the attacker. The flight, carrying 174 passengers, subsequently landed safely in Saudi Arabia, where the co-pilot was taken into custody.
Gargash, the UAE President’s diplomatic adviser, praised Machchhar’s courage and professionalism in a post on X, saying his actions helped prevent a potentially serious incident from escalating.
He also stressed the need for vigilance against possible acts of extremism and terrorism and cautioned against spreading conspiracy theories surrounding the incident.
Machchhar initially received medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, before being shifted to Abu Dhabi for further care.
Indian Ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal said Machchhar was in good health and recovering well. He also met the pilot’s family and conveyed the Indian government’s support for his welfare and recovery.
