The United Arab Emirates has opened a formal investigation into the violent cockpit incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot involved was an Omani national who had undergone Islamist radicalisation.
The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday after an altercation in the cockpit. Israeli officials and passengers said the co-pilot stabbed Indian captain Smit Machchhar during what they described as an apparent attempt to bring down the aircraft. The plane, carrying more than 170 people, landed safely after passengers and other crew members intervened. Reuters
Netanyahu told Fox News that information being gathered about the suspect’s background indicated he had undergone what the Israeli leader described as “Islamist radical indoctrination.” He also said the co-pilot appeared to have been suicidal, but stressed that he was not yet drawing a final conclusion about the incident. Israeli security officials separately told Reuters that their preliminary assessment was that the suspect likely acted alone. Reuters
The claim about radicalisation has not been established by the UAE investigation. The Associated Press reported that Netanyahu did not publicly provide details supporting the assertion, while his office declined to explain how the conclusion had been reached. Investigators have not yet announced a confirmed motive. AP News
UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has ordered a specialised Public Prosecution team to determine the circumstances and motives behind the incident. Authorities said investigators would examine whether terrorism, advance planning or outside direction played any role and urged the public not to circulate unverified information while the inquiry continues. WAM
The suspect has been identified as an Omani citizen by Israeli officials and other officials familiar with the investigation. Omani authorities had not publicly commented on his identity or alleged motive at the time of reporting. Reuters
Captain Machchhar, who was injured during the incident, has been recovering in hospital. Indian officials said he was in good health and praised his actions during the emergency. The aircraft ultimately landed safely at Tabuk Airport, where Saudi authorities handled the immediate response. Arab News
Source: Arab News