- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Flydubai attacker had undergone Islamist radicalisation.
- Netanyahu alleged that the attacker intended to crash the aircraft with everyone on board.
- The UAE is investigating the incident, including possible terrorist links and prior planning
Dubai: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the person accused of attacking the captain of a Flydubai flight had undergone Islamist radicalisation and intended to crash the aircraft with its passengers on board.
Netanyahu made the claim on Friday as authorities continued investigating the September 30 incident involving Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv before being diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The Israeli prime minister said investigators were also examining whether the attacker had been directed or sent by another party. These claims remain part of an ongoing investigation and have not been independently established by the UAE authorities.
UAE Investigates Flydubai Cockpit Attack
The UAE Attorney-General has formed a specialised investigation team to establish the circumstances, motives and causes of the incident.
The investigation will specifically examine whether the incident had any connection with terrorist activity or intent and whether there was prior planning or direction. UAE authorities have also urged the public to avoid speculation or sharing unverified information until the investigation is completed.
The UAE says its judicial authorities have jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered in the country and operates under the UAE flag. Under applicable UAE law, the country’s jurisdiction extends to offences committed on board such aircraft even outside UAE territory.
The flight was diverted to Tabuk after an altercation occurred in the cockpit. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that the security incident was brought under control and that injured crew members were taken to hospital.
Captain Smit Machchhar Receives Praise
Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured during the cockpit confrontation. Despite his injuries, he was able to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene. Other pilots travelling on the aircraft subsequently helped regain control of the aircraft.
UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash praised Machchhar’s conduct, describing him as an example of courage and professionalism during the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Machchhar by video call on October 2 and praised his courage, presence of mind and actions to protect passengers. The Prime Minister’s Office said Machchhar took critical decisions within seconds despite suffering serious injuries.
Investigation to Determine the Motive
The incident has prompted investigations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, while Israeli authorities are also examining the circumstances surrounding the attempted attack.
Netanyahu said investigators would seek to determine whether the accused acted alone or was directed by others. He had previously said it was too early to establish whether Iran was involved. That possibility remains unconfirmed.
The UAE’s official position remains that the investigation is ongoing and that the facts, motive and any possible terrorist connection must be established through evidence.
The incident occurred aboard a flight carrying 174 people. The aircraft experienced a rapid descent before control was restored, and it eventually landed safely at Tabuk Airport. Passengers were later able to continue their journey to Tel Aviv on another Flydubai aircraft.
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