The incident unfolded when a flydubai aircraft carrying 174 passengers and eight crew was en route from Sharjah to Tel Aviv when the pilot was stabbed by his co‑pilot, forcing an emergency landing at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
On X, Anwar Gargash labeled the attack a terrorist act and called the captain a 'true hero', adding that the incident highlighted the need for vigilance against extremism.
Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, said he made a 'last push' to unlock the cockpit door during the assault, enabling passengers and crew to regain control of the aircraft before it could crash.
Both the pilot and co‑pilot have been transferred to UAE custody and are under investigation by the Federal Police and the Ministry of Interior.
UAE authorities announced a review of cockpit security protocols and will issue a report on the findings, while the flight crew faces potential charges for the incident.