TEL AVIV/ABU DHABI: A Senior UAE Presidential Adviser has described the cockpit attack aboard a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight as a “dangerous terrorist act”. Meanwhile, investigators probe the Omani co-pilot’s assault on Indian pilot as reports surface about the pilot’s Islamic radicalisation, possible external links and motives. Reports of pro-Palestinian material among the suspect’s belongings and Israel’s decision to send investigators to the UAE have added new dimensions to the ongoing investigation.
UAE adviser praises Indian captain, Calls attack a ‘dangerous terrorist act’
Anwar Gargash, an adviser to the UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has publicly characterised the cockpit attack aboard a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight as a “dangerous terrorist act”, marking a significant statement from a senior Emirati official as the investigation into the September 30 incident continues.
In a post on X, Gargash praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage and professionalism in confronting the co-pilot during the mid-air emergency. “The Indian pilot at Flydubai, Smit Machchhar, deserves all the appreciation, as he embodied the true meaning of courage and responsibility when confronting a dangerous terrorist act and a potential disaster”, Gargash stated.
UAE Presidential Adviser Anwar Gargash calls flydubai cockpit attack "dangerous terrorist act", hails Indian pilot's bravery
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/jvWMikOZ63#AnwarGargash #UAE #Flydubaiincident #SmitMachchhar #Terrorattack pic.twitter.com/EtKmQGyH4D
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) October 2, 2026
Highlighting the captain’s conduct under extreme pressure, the UAE Presidential adviser added, “His professionalism and moral sense in the darkest circumstances make him a true hero”. His remarks come as investigative agencies from multiple countries examine the circumstances surrounding the attack, including the suspect’s background, possible Islamic ideological radicalisation and larger conspiracy behind the attack.
Omani co-pilot held pro-Palestinian material; Investigators probe radicalisation
Israel’s i24 News reported, citing an Emirati source, that leaflets and publications associated with “Free Palestine” groups, alongside other pro-Palestinian material, were found among the belongings of the Omani co-pilot.
According to the report, the co-pilot had repeatedly expressed support for Palestinians and hostility towards Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox and Friends that information obtained during interrogations had led Israeli authorities to conclude that the co-pilot had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination.
“The attacker, the co-pilot who attacked the captain, is now being interrogated. What we know so far is that he underwent Islamist radical indoctrination”, Netanyahu said. He also described the suspect’s behaviour after the confrontation, claiming that the attacker repeatedly called on the crew to kill him while lying on the floor. Netanyahu had earlier told CBS News that the incident appeared to be a suicide attempt.
#BREAKING: Israeli Prime Minister @netanyahu on FlyDubai probe says,
"As time passes, the picture becomes clearer: the perpetrator underwent Islamist radicalization. He came to smash the plane with its passengers on board. We are investigating whether he was sent, and whoever… pic.twitter.com/yqqkK39C9v
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) October 2, 2026
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz had previously described the episode as an “attempted jihadist terror attack”, referring to the co-pilot as a terrorist. Meanwhile, The Jerusalem Post, citing sources close to the investigation, reported that the suspect did not hold a second nationality. The report raised questions about how an Omani national could have been cleared to operate a flight to Israel, given that Oman does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with the country.
The suspect’s identity has not been publicly disclosed. However, an Omani official told CBS News that the co-pilot was born in Oman and held Omani citizenship, although Muscat had not publicly confirmed his citizenship. An Israeli security official told CBS News that investigators were examining whether the incident could have represented an attempted September 11-style attack and whether the co-pilot had acted alone.
Israel embassy in India puts up billboards thanking Captain Smit Machchar
The captain’s actions have also received public recognition in India and across the globe. The Consulate General of Israel has put up billboards at prominent intersections in Mumbai carrying the message “Thank you Captain Smit”, acknowledging his role in preventing a 9/11-style tragedy.
Captain Smit Machchhar’s mid-air heroism sparks global acclaim, Israeli consulate puts up tribute billboards in Mumbai#Mumbai #CaptainSmitMachchhar #IsraeliConsulate #TributeBillboards
Read @ANI Story| https://t.co/q11HSu20yE pic.twitter.com/XdW35EL5Do
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) October 2, 2026
The incident has also affected travel arrangements between Israel and the UAE. Israeli carrier El Al announced the cancellation of two planned repatriation flights from Dubai after the UAE withdrew landing permissions for Israeli airlines. According to The Times of Israel, the decision followed extended discussions between Israeli and Emirati officials, while scheduled services for the following week remained listed as fully booked.
