5 hrs ago
UAE Probes Flydubai Cockpit Attack Called a Terrorist Act
A Flydubai plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a fight reportedly began in the cockpit.
The co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar.
The captain was hurt but managed to open the cockpit door.
Passengers then helped stop the alleged attacker.
Two other pilots on the plane helped fly the aircraft.
The plane was diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely in Tabuk.
A UAE official called the incident a terrorist act.
Investigators are still examining what happened and whether it was planned or connected to terrorism.
Flydubai flight FZ1073 diverted to Saudi Arabia after an alleged cockpit attack during its Dubai-to-Tel Aviv journey.
Indian-origin Captain Smit Machchhar was reportedly injured after his Omani co-pilot attacked him.
Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene, while two other pilots took control.
Three Israeli passengers reportedly helped restrain the alleged attacker before the aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport.
The UAE ordered a specialised investigation into possible terrorist links, prior planning, external direction and the incident’s motives.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar, his Omani co-pilot, passengers and other pilots aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073.
- What
- An alleged cockpit attack forced the aircraft to divert, followed by a UAE-ordered investigation.
- Where
- The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and landed at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
- When
- The incident occurred on Wednesday, according to one report; the UAE official’s comments were reported on Friday.
- Why
- The aircraft was diverted after the alleged cockpit attack, while authorities are investigating its motives and any possible terrorist links.
Official Terrorism Characterization
Investigation Still Underway
Nature of the incident
Official Terrorism Characterization
A UAE official described the cockpit incident as a terrorist act.
Investigation Still Underway
The UAE-ordered probe is examining whether there were terrorist links, prior planning or external direction, so the investigation has not established those elements in the reports.
Handling of the case
Official Terrorism Characterization
The UAE says its judicial authorities have jurisdiction over offences committed aboard the UAE-registered aircraft, including outside UAE territory.
Investigation Still Underway
Saudi Arabia is expected to conduct the initial investigation before handing the accused co-pilot to UAE authorities.
Key facts
- Flight
- Flydubai flight FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Passengers
- 174 passengers, including 27 children
- Captain
- Indian-origin pilot Smit Machchhar
- Alleged attacker
- The co-pilot, reportedly an Omani national
- Diversion airport
- Tabuk Airport, Saudi Arabia
- Investigation authority
- The UAE says its judicial authorities will have jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered and operates under its flag.
Sources
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