UAE calls Flydubai cockpit attack a ‘terrorist act’; Omani pilot tried to take control

UAE Attorney General Counsellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the Omani pilot began carrying out his plan during the flight, attacking the captain inside the cockpit with a crash axe and attempting to take control of the aircraft, state news agency WAM reported.

Al Shamsi said investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances and motives behind the incident, as well as any possible links.

In a separate post on X, UAE senior diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash described the incident as a "dangerous terrorist" attack.

Praising Indian pilot Smit Mathur for his actions during the mid-air incident on Wednesday, Gargash wrote: "The Indian pilot at 'Flydubai,' Smit Mathur, deserves every bit of appreciation, for he embodied the meaning of courage and responsibility in the face of a dangerous terrorist act and a potential disaster."

He added that Mathur's "professionalism and moral sense in the darkest of circumstances make him a true hero".

Gargash also cautioned against prematurely drawing conclusions about the incident or promoting unverified theories.

"Far from the easy reduction of what happened or the adoption and promotion of conspiracy theories, vigilance and caution remain essential in confronting the risks of extremism and terrorism," he said.

Meanwhile, multiple media reports have identified the Omani pilot as Hamam al-Hammami.

What happened aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073?

The incident took place on September 30 aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was allegedly attacked by his Omani co-pilot inside the cockpit during the flight.

Mathur sustained serious injuries in the alleged attack but managed to retain control of the aircraft. He was subsequently evacuated for medical treatment as authorities launched an investigation into the incident.

According to media reports, the aircraft was carrying nearly 180 people when the alleged attack took place.

Smit later spoke about the ordeal, including his efforts to prevent the aircraft from being brought down.

He reportedly told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he recited the Hanuman Chalisa during the struggle inside the cockpit as he sought courage to deal with the situation.

Smit was later airlifted to Abu Dhabi for further medical treatment and was reported to be in stable condition.