- The UAE has ordered a formal investigation into the Flydubai FZ1073 cockpit incident.
- The Dubai to Tel Aviv flight was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a security incident on board.
- Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured and later praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his courage.
Dubai: The United Arab Emirates has ordered a formal investigation into the cockpit incident involving Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia while travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi directed the formation of a specialised investigation team to establish the circumstances and motives behind the incident. Investigators will also examine whether the episode involved prior planning, direction or any connection with terrorist activity.
The flight landed safely at Tabuk Airport on September 30 after what authorities described as a security incident on board.
Flydubai Flight Diverted to Saudi Arabia
Flydubai said Flight FZ1073, operating from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport, experienced an incident while en route. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, where all passengers were reported safe and accounted for.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority said the incident was brought under control and that some crew members were injured and taken to a Saudi hospital for treatment. Authorities have urged the public not to circulate unverified information while the investigation continues.
According to reports from Israeli officials, Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, was attacked and stabbed by his co-pilot inside the cockpit. The aircraft subsequently lost more than 14,000 feet in a short period before control was restored.
Passengers and crew members intervened after the cockpit door was opened, while other pilots travelling on the aircraft helped regain control of the plane.
Captain Smit Machchhar Praised for His Courage
Captain Machchhar suffered serious injuries during the incident but was able to help enable passengers and crew to intervene.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly praised Machchhar for his courage and said his actions helped save lives and avert a major tragedy.
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi also said senior diplomatic officials had met Machchhar’s family and conveyed the Indian government’s support.
Machchhar has more than 13 years of commercial aviation experience and has accumulated thousands of flying hours, including extensive experience operating Boeing 737 aircraft.
Investigation to Examine Motive and Possible Planning
The UAE investigation will focus on establishing exactly what happened inside the cockpit, the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the motives of those involved.
Authorities will also determine whether there was any advance planning or external direction. The UAE has stressed that conclusions should not be drawn before investigators establish the facts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has separately raised questions about whether the incident involved accomplices or possible Iranian involvement. Those possibilities have not been established by the ongoing investigation.
The incident has also prompted Flydubai to temporarily suspend flights to and from Israel while authorities continue their inquiry.
The passengers were later transported to Tel Aviv on a replacement aircraft after the emergency diversion, bringing the immediate flight disruption to an end while investigations continue.
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