Anwar Gargash, Advisor to United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohammed bin Zayed, on Friday, 3 October 2025 publicly praised Indian Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar for his courage and professionalism during what he described as Wednesday's “dangerous terrorist act” aboard the aircraft. The tribute came as UAE authorities launched a formal criminal investigation into the mid-air incident that officials and observers have compared to the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.

What Gargash Said

Writing on X, Gargash stated: “The Indian pilot at ‘Flydubai,’ Smit Machchhar, 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. His professionalism and moral sense in the darkest of circumstances make him a true hero.”

He added a broader warning: “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.” The remarks signal a deliberate push by senior UAE figures to frame the episode as a serious terrorism-related event, not a routine aviation emergency.

UAE Investigation Under Way

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Thursday that a specialised team of public prosecutors has been tasked with investigating the incident and determining its full circumstances and causes. In a formal statement, the ministry emphasised that UAE judicial authorities hold jurisdiction over the investigation because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and flies its flag — meaning UAE law applies to crimes committed on board, even outside the country's territory.

The ministry added that the probe will examine all aspects of the incident, including its motives, and whether there was any connection to terrorist activity or prior planning. The UAE also thanked Saudi authorities for their cooperation and handling of the incident, suggesting the aircraft may have been in or near Saudi airspace when events unfolded.

Israeli Spokesperson Invokes 9/11 Comparison

Israeli Prime Minister's spokesperson David Mencer offered a detailed and stark account of what allegedly transpired in the cockpit. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Mencer said: “This could have been very similar to 9/11. There is a detail that may have been missed. When an Israeli passenger and a crew member managed to get into the cockpit, they found that the Omani pilot was not sitting in the pilot's seat. He was standing over the controls and appeared to be trying to sabotage the controls and destroy the aircraft's control systems while attacking the brave Indian pilot.”

Mencer added: “Let's be clear: this man wanted to bring down the aircraft. You cannot help but make the comparison between 9/11 and this attack.” The allegations, which are subject to the ongoing UAE investigation, describe what would be an attempted act of aerial mass murder carried out by a crew member — a scenario investigators will need to verify independently.

What Happens Next

With UAE prosecutors formally in charge, the investigation is expected to determine whether the incident constitutes a terrorist act under UAE law and whether any external direction or coordination was involved. The nationality of those implicated and the aircraft's registered flag will shape extradition and jurisdictional considerations. Pilot Smit Machchhar's conduct is likely to receive further formal recognition from Indian and UAE aviation authorities. All eyes are now on the prosecutor's preliminary findings, which could reframe the geopolitical dimensions of this case.