Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Oct 1: The United Arab Emirates has ordered an investigation into the incident aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv that was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a serious cockpit altercation on Wednesday.
The investigation was ordered by UAE Attorney General Counsellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, who directed a specialised team from the Public Prosecution to examine all aspects of the incident, including the possibility of terrorist activity.
The incident occurred aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was carrying 174 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The Boeing 737 reportedly experienced a steep descent during the cockpit confrontation before the crew managed to regain control and divert the aircraft to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the investigation would examine the circumstances and motives surrounding the incident, including whether there was any connection to terrorist activity or intent and whether the incident involved prior planning or direction.
The UAE authorities said they have jurisdiction over the case because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and flies under its flag. Under UAE law, crimes committed aboard UAE-registered aircraft can fall under UAE jurisdiction even when they occur outside the country's territory.
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured during the incident. Reports say he was attacked by his Omani co-pilot and, despite being injured, helped prevent the situation from escalating. Passengers and other crew members intervened, while additional pilots aboard the aircraft helped regain control of the plane. Machchhar was taken to a hospital in Tabuk and was reported to be in stable condition.
The co-pilot was arrested by Saudi authorities following the emergency landing. Investigators are working to establish what prompted the cockpit confrontation and whether it was a deliberate attempt to take control of the aircraft. Reports have identified the co-pilot as an Omani national, although UAE authorities and Flydubai have urged caution over unverified details.
The motive remains unclear. Investigators are examining multiple possibilities, including a potential terrorist motive, while officials have cautioned against drawing conclusions before the probe is completed. Israeli officials have described the incident as a possible terrorist attack, but the UAE investigation has not established such a motive.
Authorities from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other countries are involved in examining the incident. Israel has also been invited to participate in the investigation, while the extent of its involvement remains unclear.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the public and media to rely only on information issued by official sources and avoid circulating speculation or unverified reports until the investigation is completed and its findings announced. It also thanked Saudi authorities for their cooperation and handling of the incident.
Flydubai has meanwhile suspended flights to and from Israel while the investigation into the FZ1073 incident continues.