Tabuk:UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash has described an incident aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv as a "terrorist act." The incident involved an emergency situation handled by the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, whom Gargash praised for his courage and professionalism.

According to Anadolu Agency, Gargash commended Captain Machchhar on social media, calling him a "true hero" for his actions during the emergency. He highlighted the captain's embodiment of courage and responsibility in confronting a serious threat and potential disaster.

The flydubai flight FZ1073, with 174 passengers on board, made an emergency landing on Wednesday at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after an altercation occurred in the flight deck. The crew managed to secure the aircraft before safely diverting it to Saudi Arabia.

Following the incident, airport officials reported that the captain and first officer were injured and taken to a hospital. Fortunately, all passengers and crew were reported safe and accounted for.