InternationalSaturday, 3 October 2026·Hindu Tamil Thisai
UAE labels FlyDubai hijack attempt a planned terror act; India’s Smit Machchhar hailed for saving 174 lives
The UAE said the September 30, 2026 FlyDubai hijack attempt was a planned terror act, while Indian pilot Smit Machchhar was credited with saving 174 passengers.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In September 2026, the United Arab Emirates said the FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was a planned terrorist act after a co-pilot from Oman tried to hijack the aircraft carrying 174 passengers on September 30, 2026.
Key specifics
- UAE senior adviser Anwar Gargash called the incident a “dangerous terrorist act” on X on October 2, 2026.
- The flight was diverted and safely landed at Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, by crew members on board.
- Indian pilot Smit Machchhar was credited with stopping the hijack attempt and saving 174 lives.
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the suspect should be handed over to Israel for a full probe.
- Israel and the UAE later arranged repatriation flights starting October 2, 2026, after commercial travel was suspended.
Exam lens
Question type: International relations and aviation security, UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia, October 2026, 174 passengers, Tabuk. TNPSC may ask which country called the incident a planned terror act and who prevented the catastrophe.