Flydubai Flight Lands Safely After Co-Pilot Allegedly Attacks Captain
publishers 39articles 44first reported 30 Sep, 22:23 UTCdeveloping since 1 Oct · 2 editions
A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft, according to Israeli officials and Al Jazeera. More than 170 people were reportedly aboard flight FZ1073.
The incident began about two and a half hours after takeoff, when the aircraft issued a distress signal near Jordanian airspace. Israeli officials said the plane descended from 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet within about a minute. The wounded captain, identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar, managed to unlock the reinforced cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to enter and overpower the co-pilot, Israeli media reported. Another pilot aboard then took control and landed the plane in Tabuk about an hour later.
Both pilots were injured and received treatment in Saudi Arabia. The co-pilot was subsequently taken into Saudi custody but had not been charged. His citizenship, qualifications, flying experience and motive had not been officially confirmed.
The United Arab Emirates has ordered an investigation. UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi said investigators would collect evidence to establish the incident’s circumstances and motives, including whether it involved terrorism or prior planning. Saudi Arabia had not issued a detailed public update.
Some Israeli officials described the incident as terrorism, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was too early to determine whether the alleged attack was targeted or involved Iran. Israel expects to follow and could participate in the investigation, he said.
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