The United Arab Emirates has described the attack aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Israel as an attempted terrorist act. Investigators found that the co-pilot attacked the captain and tried to take control of the aircraft. The Boeing 737 then made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on September 30.
The aircraft was operating as Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. It was carrying passengers and crew when the incident occurred. However, the plane landed safely at Tabuk Airport. Passengers were later taken onward to Israel. Flydubai initially confirmed the incident and said everyone was safe.
UAE Investigation Finds Attempted Terrorist Act
UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said on Saturday that the investigation found the co-pilot had attempted to carry out a terrorist act during the flight.
According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the co-pilot attacked the captain inside the cockpit with a crash axe. He also attempted to take control of the aircraft. Meanwhile, investigators are examining the circumstances, motive and any possible links behind the incident.
The UAE initially ordered an investigation on October 1. Authorities wanted to determine whether the incident was linked to terrorist activity, prior planning or outside direction. They also urged the public to avoid speculation until verified information became available.
[IMAGE: Flydubai aircraft involved in the emergency landing in Saudi Arabia]
Passengers and Crew Helped Stop the Attack
The situation became critical after the co-pilot attacked the captain inside the cockpit. Reports said the aircraft experienced a dramatic loss of altitude before the cockpit was accessed and the attacker was subdued.
According to Reuters, the wounded captain managed to open the cockpit door. This allowed passengers and other crew members to intervene. As a result, the aircraft was brought under control and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
The captain, Indian national Smit Machchhar, was later taken for medical treatment. The UAE investigation is being conducted with relevant authorities. However, the exact motive behind the attack remains under investigation.
Flydubai Suspends Israel Flights
Flydubai suspended flights between Dubai and Israel following the incident. The move came as authorities continued their investigation.
The airline said its teams were cooperating with the relevant authorities. It also said further information would be released as confirmed details became available.
The latest UAE finding differs from the initial stage of the investigation. At that time, authorities were still determining whether the cockpit incident had a terrorist purpose.
Further details about the co-pilot’s motive and any possible links remain under investigation.
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