UAE investigates flydubai cockpit incident as pilot praised for averting disaster
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar credited with safety of flight FZ1073 after alleged mid-air attack by co-pilot
Quick Look
- UAE authorities are investigating an alleged mid-air cockpit attack on flydubai flight FZ1073.
- Indian pilot Smit Machchhar and passengers subdued the Omani co-pilot, preventing a crash.
- The flight was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, for a safe landing.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The incident involved an alleged attempt by an Omani co-pilot to crash a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. The UAE claims jurisdiction over the investigation as the aircraft is registered in the UAE.
NEW DELHI: A UAE official has described the mid-air incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073 as a “terrorist act” while praising Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for his role in ensuring the aircraft landed safely, news agency AFP reported on Friday.
The incident involved an alleged attack on Machchhar by his co-pilot. Machchhar was injured but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene. Three Israeli passengers reportedly helped subdue the attacker, while two additional pilots onboard took control of the aircraft and landed it safely in Saudi Arabia.
This comes a day after UAE ordered a specialised investigation into the incident, involving an alleged attempt by an Omani co-pilot to crash the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. The probe will examine the circumstances and motives, including any possible links to terrorist activity, prior planning or direction.
The flight departed from Dubai International Airport for Tel Aviv but was diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after an altercation reportedly broke out in the cockpit. flydubai said crew members onboard intervened and secured the aircraft.
“The ministry noted that the investigation includes examining all circumstances and motives surrounding the incident, including any possible connection to terrorist activity or intent, and whether it involved prior planning or direction,” the statement said.
The UAE said its judicial authorities have jurisdiction over the investigation as the aircraft is registered in the UAE and operates under its flag. UAE law applies to crimes committed onboard the aircraft, including those occurring outside the country's territory, it said.
According to The Times of Israel, Saudi Arabia will conduct the initial investigation into the Omani co-pilot accused of attempting to crash the flight before handing him over to the UAE for further investigation.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Saudi Arabia to hand over the co-pilot to UAE authorities.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What was the specific motive of the co-pilot?
- Are there confirmed links to terrorist organizations?
