On October 2, 2026, UAE President's diplomatic advisor, Anwar Gargash, praised the bravery of FlyDubai pilot, Smita Mathew, who foiled a hijacking attempt on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The flight, which had 174 passengers on board, made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Gargash took to social media to commend Mathew's actions, saying he embodied courage and responsibility in the face of danger.
According to eyewitnesses, the co-pilot attempted to stab Mathew in an attempt to take control of the plane. However, Mathew managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene and subdue the attacker. The incident is currently under investigation, and authorities have not disclosed the motives behind the attempted hijacking.
Gargash's praise for Mathew's actions was echoed by many, who hailed the pilot as a hero for saving the lives of everyone on board. The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of terrorism and extremism. Gargash emphasized that Mathew's professionalism and moral compass in the face of danger made him a true hero.
The incident occurred on a Boeing 737 aircraft operated by FlyDubai, a low-cost carrier based in Dubai. The flight was headed to Tel Aviv, Israel, when the emergency landing was made in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Passengers on board reported that the co-pilot's behavior became erratic, leading Mathew to take swift action to prevent a potential disaster.
Mathew, an Indian national, is currently receiving medical treatment in a Saudi hospital for injuries sustained during the incident. The co-pilot's identity and motives have not been disclosed, and authorities are continuing to investigate the incident. FlyDubai has not released a statement on the incident, but sources close to the airline have confirmed that the safety of passengers and crew is their top priority.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia have been working closely to investigate the incident and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident has raised concerns about airline safety and the threat of terrorism in the region. Gargash's comments on social media were seen as a gesture of appreciation for Mathew's bravery and a testament to the strong ties between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by airline crew and passengers, and the importance of having well-trained and courageous pilots like Mathew. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the attempted hijacking. Key points: - The FlyDubai pilot, Smita Mathew, was praised by UAE President's advisor Anwar Gargash for his bravery. - The incident occurred on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. - The co-pilot attempted to stab Mathew in an attempt to take control of the plane, but was subdued by passengers.
