2 hrs ago
UAE Opens Probe Into Flydubai Cockpit Incident
A flydubai plane was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a serious fight reportedly happened in the cockpit.
The plane quickly dropped thousands of feet before changing course.
Reports say the co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot and tried to take control of the aircraft.
The pilot was reportedly injured but managed to help secure the cockpit.
The plane then landed safely at an airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
There were 174 passengers on board, including 27 children.
Saudi authorities reportedly arrested and questioned the co-pilot.
The UAE is investigating what happened, including whether it was planned or connected to terrorism.
Officials have asked people not to spread rumors while the investigation continues.
The UAE ordered an investigation into an incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The aircraft diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia on September 30.
Reports said a cockpit altercation involved Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and his co-pilot, who allegedly tried to crash the plane.
The flight carried 174 passengers, including 27 children, and reportedly made a rapid descent of 14,000 to 17,000 feet.
Authorities said the co-pilot was arrested and questioned in Saudi Arabia, while officials urged the public to rely on verified information.
- Who
- The UAE Public Prosecution, flydubai flight crew, passengers, and Saudi authorities are involved; reports identify the pilot as Captain Smit Machchhar and the co-pilot as an alleged attacker.
- What
- An alleged cockpit assault and attempted takeover reportedly caused flight FZ1073 to make a rapid descent, divert, and land safely.
- Where
- The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv before landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
- When
- The incident occurred on September 30, described in the reports as Wednesday; the UAE announced the investigation on October 1.
- Why
- Authorities are investigating the incident’s circumstances and motives, including possible terrorism, prior planning, or outside direction.
Reported Attack Account
Cautious Official Position
What happened in the cockpit
Reported Attack Account
Reports said the co-pilot stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar and allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft; flydubai confirmed that an altercation occurred in the flight deck.
Cautious Official Position
Authorities have confirmed an incident and investigation but have urged the public to avoid speculation until the facts are established.
Possible motive
Reported Attack Account
The reported actions have prompted investigation into whether the incident involved terrorism, prior planning, or outside direction.
Cautious Official Position
UAE and Israeli officials have not established who was responsible or the motive; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was too early to determine who was behind the incident.
Handling of the co-pilot
Reported Attack Account
The co-pilot was reportedly believed to be an Omani national and was arrested and questioned by Saudi authorities.
Cautious Official Position
The reports indicate that investigators were still determining the circumstances and that the co-pilot could later be taken to the UAE.
Key facts
- Flight
- flydubai FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Passengers
- 174, including 27 children
- Diversion airport
- Tabuk Airport, Saudi Arabia
- Reported descent
- 14,000 to 17,000 feet in under two minutes
- Investigation authority
- UAE Public Prosecution, coordinated with the General Civil Aviation Authority and other agencies
- Legal jurisdiction
- The UAE said its law applies to crimes aboard aircraft registered in the UAE and flying its flag, even outside UAE territory
Quotes
Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli prime minister commenting on the investigation and the suspected attacker
“It’s too early to say, the attacking pilot is .. now being investigated in Saudi Arabia. I think he’ll be taken to the Emirates, where he comes from, or at least where he left, where he flew off from, and we’ll be following and possibly also participating in this investigation”
theprint.in
Sources
Related news
UAE Claims Jurisdiction Over Flydubai Cockpit Attack Investigation
Saudi Probe To Precede UAE Investigation Into Flydubai Cockpit Attack
Flydubai Suspends Israel Flights Amid Investigation Into Cockpit Incident
Flydubai Flight Incident Sparks Terror Attack and Hijacking Claims
Flydubai Flight Diverted After Cockpit Attack, Possible Terror Probe
UAE Investigates Possible Terror Link in Israel-Bound Flight Attack
Gujarat To Honour Pilot Smit Machchhar After Flydubai Cockpit Attack
Flydubai Flight Diverts After Alleged Cockpit Axe Attack
