Israeli officials are determined to uncover the motive and background of a co-pilot accused of stabbing the captain aboard a flydubai passenger flight en route to Israel, while the United Arab Emirates has initiated a formal inquiry into the event.
The assault took place on Wednesday on flydubai flight FZ1073, carrying over 170 passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The incident sparked fears that the aircraft might have been intentionally brought down.
Despite his injuries, the captain managed to regain control of the cockpit, enabling passengers to restrain the attacker. Subsequently, a reserve crew member assumed command and diverted the plane to Saudi Arabia, where it safely landed at Tabuk airport.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the suspect was under investigation in Saudi Arabia and was expected to be handed over to the UAE, the country where the aircraft is registered. He emphasized Israel’s intent to monitor and potentially participate in the ongoing investigation.
The UAE has asserted jurisdiction over the case due to the aircraft’s registration and is examining the suspect’s motives, including any potential terrorist connections. Prosecutors are also investigating whether the attack was premeditated or directed by external parties.
Netanyahu noted it was premature to link the incident to Iran but confirmed that authorities would explore whether the suspect acted alone or had accomplices. He pledged to thoroughly investigate the attacker’s background and any possible involvement of others or foreign entities.
While no official Israeli statement has confirmed Iranian involvement, Defence Minister Israel Katz described the co-pilot as a terrorist who seemingly intended to crash the plane. Netanyahu, however, referred to the event as a “serious security incident,” adopting a more cautious tone.
The UAE’s investigation aims to clarify the circumstances and motives behind the attack, specifically whether it was connected to terrorist activity or involved prior planning. The UAE’s legal framework applies to crimes committed on board its registered aircraft, even if they occur outside its territory.
An Israeli official identified the attacker as an Omani national, though Omani authorities have yet to comment. During the incident, the plane dropped nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds while flying over Saudi Arabia before passengers and crew subdued the assailant and secured a safe landing.
Saudi Arabia has not released any statements regarding its investigation. Tabuk airport confirmed that both pilots were hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the attack.
Flydubai cautioned against premature conclusions, stating that the underlying reasons for the incident remain unclear.
The event has intensified security concerns in Israel ahead of upcoming elections, the first since the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, with national security a central campaign issue. The region remains tense following US and Israeli strikes against Iran earlier this year, which escalated conflicts in the Gulf and Lebanon involving Iran-backed groups.
Prime Minister Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the flight’s captain, Indian national Smit Machchhar, as a hero. The Indian consulate in the UAE reported that its ambassador met with Machchhar’s family and provided updates on his recovery.
Netanyahu revealed that Machchhar had been stabbed or struck with an axe by the co-pilot, resulting in severe bleeding. Israel also commended the passengers who helped restrain the attacker.
Yaniv Hayun, one of the passengers who subdued the assailant, recounted rushing to the cockpit as the plane was rapidly descending. He described pulling the attacker out and regaining control of the aircraft, stabilizing its flight before landing.
