Flydubai attack was a ‘terrorist act’, UAE official says; praises captain Smit Machchhar for saving flight

A senior UAE official on Friday described the attack aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 as a “terrorist act” and praised Indian captain Smit Machchhar for his actions during the mid-air crisis that helped avert a potential disaster, according to report by AFP.

The Dubai-Tel Aviv flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely in Tabuk after the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar in the cockpit on Wednesday.

Also read: Flydubai pilot recounts terrifying attack to PM Modi


The UAE's remarks came as authorities continued to investigate the circumstances and motive behind the incident, with an official probe examining whether it involved terrorist activity, prior planning or direction.

The UAE Attorney-General has formed a specialised Public Prosecution team to investigate the episode, while Saudi authorities have also begun their own inquiry.

What happened on Flydubai Flight FZ1073?

Flight FZ1073, carrying 174 passengers and eight crew members, took off from Dubai International Airport at 03:05 GMT on Wednesday, bound for Tel Aviv. Flight-tracking data shows the Boeing 737 Max 8 began descending from about 34,000 feet at 05:21, with the aircraft dropping to around 16,600 feet within a short period before climbing again.

At 05:24, the aircraft dropped further to about 15,000 feet, its lowest recorded altitude during the journey. The plane subsequently remained at that altitude as the crew dealt with the emergency.

The aircraft first transmitted the 7700 emergency code at 05:28 while flying near the Saudi-Jordanian border. Seven minutes later, it switched to squawk 7500, the transponder code indicating unlawful interference, which remained active for nearly an hour.

The aircraft turned west at about 05:42, briefly entering Jordanian airspace, before making a 180-degree turn and heading southwest towards Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. The general emergency code 7700 was transmitted again at 06:28, replacing the unlawful-interference signal.

The aircraft approached Tabuk Airport at about 06:58 and subsequently made a safe emergency landing.

Also read: Inside FlyDubai's 4-hour ordeal: A cockpit fight, steep descents and alternating distress codes

Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry said an initial investigation found that the captain had been assaulted by his co-pilot, resulting in injuries to both pilots. The captain and co-pilot were later moved to the UAE after being medically cleared, with an Emirati security team accompanying them.

Captain Smit Machchhar speaks to PM Modi

Machchhar, an Indian national, suffered serious injuries and is recovering in hospital. He has since spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his hospital bed, describing how he managed to open the cockpit door after being attacked, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene.

The incident has also prompted praise for passengers who helped restrain the attacker after the cockpit door was opened. The aircraft was ultimately brought under control and diverted to Tabuk, with everyone on board surviving the incident.

The UAE investigation will examine the circumstances and motives behind the incident, including whether there was any connection to terrorist activity or intent and whether the episode involved prior planning or direction. UAE authorities have urged the public to rely on official statements and avoid circulating unverified information while the investigation remains underway.