UAE probes possible ‘terror’ link in attack on Flydubai flight to Israel that forced Saudi landing | What we know

The UAE has launched a probe into a Flydubai cockpit attack that forced a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight to divert to Saudi Arabia. Investigators will examine the motive and possible terrorist link after a co-pilot allegedly stabbed the Indian captain and triggered a steep descent.

The United Arab Emirates has launched a criminal investigation into a midair altercation between two pilots aboard a Flydubai flight to Israel that forced the aircraft to divert and land in Saudi Arabia.

UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has formed a team of public prosecutors to investigate the incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073, state news agency WAM reported on Thursday.

The flight was carrying 174 passengers and was travelling from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv on Wednesday when the incident unfolded.

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An altercation took place in the cockpit where the co-pilot stabbed the captain, Smit Machchhar, leading the aircraft to descend rapidly and divert to Saudi Arabia.

The UAE is investigating the incident to examine possible motives behind the attack and to determine if it had connections to terrorist activity, as the aircraft is registered in the UAE.

Despite being injured, Captain Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and help restrain the co-pilot, which prevented further escalation of the situation.

While intervention can be crucial in emergencies, it is essential to assess the situation carefully, as it can be dangerous; in this case, passengers acted instinctively to prevent a potential catastrophe.

Captain Machchhar is receiving medical attention in a hospital in Saudi Arabia after sustaining serious injuries and is expected to be airlifted to Dubai for further treatment.

According to reports, the co-pilot stabbed the pilot-in-command, Indian national Smit Machchhar, during the flight. The aircraft subsequently plunged around 16,000 feet, triggering a serious emergency.

Machchhar reportedly managed to unlock the cockpit door despite being injured, allowing passengers to enter and restrain the co-pilot. Another pilot from the second crew then took control of the aircraft.

The plane was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

UAE probes motive, possible terror link

The investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the motive behind the attack and whether it involved prior planning or direction.

Prosecutors will also determine whether the incident had any connection to “terrorist activity or intent”, WAM reported.

The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said an investigation was being launched because the aircraft is registered in the country and operates under the UAE flag.

Al Shamsi said UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction because the aircraft is UAE-registered, adding that UAE law applies to crimes committed aboard its aircraft “even if they occur outside the country’s territory”.

Netanyahu says Israel to join suspect interrogation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had spoken with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who agreed that Israel would participate in the interrogation of the suspect.

Netanyahu also credited Machchhar and passengers aboard the flight with helping prevent a potential catastrophe.

The incident has drawn particular attention because the aircraft was operating an international route and the alleged attack took place inside the cockpit, potentially leaving the aircraft vulnerable to deliberate interference with its controls.

Passengers describe chaotic descent

Passengers on the flight described the moments after the alleged attack as chaotic as the aircraft went into a steep descent.

Israeli President's Office said passengers helped restrain the co-pilot after Machchhar opened the cockpit door. One passenger, Asaf Rajuan, described the situation as one in which passengers had to react instinctively.

“We felt helpless, suspended in midair, and I didn’t know who to turn to. But it was all instinct to survive,” Rajuan said in a statement shared by Israel's presidency, according to Reuters.

Passengers from Israel, India, UAE and US

The aircraft was carrying passengers from several countries. Israel's foreign ministry, as cited by Al Jazeera, said those on board included Israeli, Indian and UAE nationals.

The US State Department said four passengers on the flight were US citizens.

Investigators are now expected to establish what triggered the cockpit confrontation, how the aircraft lost altitude and whether the incident was an isolated act or involved any wider planning or motive.

About the Author

Bhanu Pratap is a journalist who reports and writes on foreign affairs, India’s foreign policy, geopolitics and strategic affairs. He closely follows diplomatic developments in New Delhi and has a keen interest in defence and national security.<br> <br> Bhanu also focuses on in-depth, interview-based reports and regularly speaking with experts and policymakers to bring perspectives and context to major developments around the world.<br> <br> He is also interested in stories with strong humanitarian angles.<br><br> One such report examined the cases of Indian nationals who were allegedly recruited and forced into Russia’s war against Ukraine. While reporting the story, Bhanu spoke to the families of those affected and documented their experiences. The report was later taken into account by the United Nations in its findings on human rights violations linked to the war in Ukraine.<br> <br> For Bhanu, the zeal to produce meaningful and impactful journalism remains at the heart of his work.<br> <br>He has previously worked with Firstpost, NDTV, Newslaundry and Republic.<br><br> Bhanu studied at the Delhi School of Journalism, University of Delhi. He initially chose science with plans to pursue engineering, influenced by conventional expectations, but fate had other plans and eventually led him to journalism.<br><br> Beyond the newsroom, Bhanu enjoys exploring culture and history and often spends his days off on heritage walks. He is also passionate about travelling, biking and listening to folk music.<br> <br>For tips, reviews and suggestions, you can reach him at bhanu.pratap@htdigital.in.

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