Abu Dhabi, Oct. 2 -- In a major disclosure, Anwar Gargash, an adviser to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, has officially termed the cockpit attack aboard a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight a "dangerous terrorist act," marking the first time a top Emirati official has formally classified the attempted crash in such terms.

In a post on X, Gargash commended Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his decisive bravery in thwarting what could have been a catastrophic tragedy.

The incident involved flydubai flight FZ1073 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, where Machchhar was injured after being attacked by his co-pilot. Despite his injuries, he managed to reach the cockpit door and helped ensure the safe landing of the aircraft. ...