Anwar Gargash, the senior diplomatic advisor to the United Arab Emirates president, praised Indian Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed by his terrorist co-pilot, saying he "deserves every bit of appreciation, for he embodied the meaning of courage and responsibility in the face of a dangerous terrorist act and a potential disaster."
Gargash said the pilot's "professionalism and moral sense in the darkest of circumstances make him a true hero."
He added: "Far from the easy reduction of what happened or the adoption and promotion of conspiracy theories, vigilance and caution remain essential in confronting the risks of extremism and terrorism."