A senior UAE official has praised Indian Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar for his courage and professionalism during what he described as a “dangerous terrorist act” on Wednesday. Anwar Gargash, adviser to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, said Machchhar showed courage and responsibility while facing a situation that could have resulted in a major disaster.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister’s spokesperson David Mencer said the attempt to bring down the Flydubai flight appeared similar to the September 11 attacks in the United States. Because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and flies its flag, the ministry said UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction.
The UAE also thanked Saudi authorities for their cooperation and for their handling of the incident, according to the ministry. It added that UAE law applies to crimes committed on board the aircraft, even when they take place outside the country’s territory. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday that a specialised team of public prosecutors had been assigned to investigate the incident and establish its circumstances and causes.
