UAE diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash said the FlyDubai co-pilot attacked the captain with an emergency axe during the flight. He said investigators were continuing to examine the incident to determine exactly what happened and what motivated the alleged attack.
Gargash praised FlyDubai captain Smit Machchhar for confronting what he described as a “serious terrorist act.” The alleged attack took place while the aircraft was travelling toward Israel.
According to Gargash, the investigation had established that the co-pilot attempted to carry out a terrorist act.
Arab News reported that Gargash said the Indian pilot “deserves every bit of appreciation” for showing courage and responsibility during a highly dangerous situation. He said Machchhar’s actions helped prevent an incident that could have resulted in a major disaster.
UAE Official Calls Captain a Hero
Gargash described the incident as a “dangerous terrorist act” and said Machchhar deserved recognition for his response.
In a post on X, Gargash praised the captain’s conduct and said Machchhar’s “professionalism and moral sense in the darkest of circumstances make him a true hero."
He also warned against drawing simple conclusions or spreading conspiracy theories about the incident. Instead, he stressed the importance of remaining alert to the risks associated with extremism and terrorism, Arab News reported.
The incident has triggered a multinational investigation. The UAE is leading the probe, while authorities from several other countries are also involved.
Co-Pilot’s Background Under Investigation
The co-pilot accused of attacking the captain has been identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami.
The Associated Press reported that Oman had previously barred him from flying after concerns were raised that he had adopted extremist views.
According to a person familiar with the matter, al-Hammami was later employed by UAE-based FlyDubai. However, it was not immediately clear how extensive the background checks were before the airline hired him.
Investigators are now examining how he was able to take a cockpit position despite the earlier concerns raised in Oman.
His previous aviation history and the circumstances surrounding his recruitment are expected to form an important part of the ongoing investigation.
Captain Helped Passengers Stop the Attack
The flight was carrying 182 people when the alleged attack took place. The aircraft reportedly entered a sharp descent during the incident, raising fears that the co-pilot could cause the aircraft to crash.
The captain suffered serious injuries during the confrontation. Despite being badly wounded, he managed to use his remaining strength to unlock the cockpit door while the attack was taking place.
Passengers and other people on board heard unusual sounds coming from the cockpit. They entered the area, confronted the co-pilot and helped restrain him.
Their intervention allowed the crew to regain control of the aircraft and stabilise the situation.
The aircraft later made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Israel, Oman and the International Investigation
The investigation also involves a complex diplomatic background. Israel and Oman do not have formal diplomatic relations.
AP reported that Israel has long-standing arrangements with foreign airlines concerning pilots who are citizens of countries that do not have diplomatic relations with Israel.
After the incident, both the captain and the co-pilot were taken to the UAE. The UAE is leading the investigation into the alleged cockpit attack.
Officials have said authorities from several countries, including Israel, are taking part in the probe as investigators work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.