The UAE has confirmed that a flydubai co-pilot attempted a terrorist act by attacking Indian captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe and trying to seize control of the aircraft during a flight to Tel Aviv…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The United Arab Emirates has confirmed that the co-pilot of a flydubai passenger aircraft attempted a terrorist act by attacking the captain with a cockpit crash axe and trying to seize control of the plane during a flight to Tel Aviv.
UAE Attorney-General Counsellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said on Saturday that investigations into the September 30 incident aboard flight FZ1073 had established that the co-pilot began carrying out his plan while the aircraft was airborne.
The co-pilot attacked the captain inside the flight deck with a crash axe before attempting to take control of the aircraft’s flight controls, Al Shamsi said in a statement carried by the Emirates News Agency.
Investigators are continuing to establish the full circumstances of the incident, the suspect’s motives and any possible connections. Technical examinations and analysis of physical and digital evidence are also under way, the Attorney-General said.
The final findings will be announced after the necessary investigative procedures have been completed.
Indian captain praised for courage
The incident occurred aboard a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers on board. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing after the cockpit confrontation.
Indian captain Smit Machchhar was injured during the attack. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) praised his response, along with the actions of other crew members and passengers who helped bring the situation under control.
The authority said their swift intervention helped prevent more serious consequences. It also confirmed that Machchhar had returned safely to the UAE, was in good condition and was receiving medical treatment.
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi said on Saturday that the captain was recovering well and receiving medical care. The embassy said it remained in contact with his family and local authorities.
The flight was able to land safely after the emergency response by those on board. The incident prompted an investigation by UAE authorities, with Saudi officials also involved following the aircraft’s diversion and landing in Tabuk.
Investigation examines motive and possible links
The UAE Public Prosecution is leading the investigation following an order from the Attorney-General. Authorities are examining the suspect’s background and the circumstances surrounding the attack, while analysing physical and digital evidence.
Officials have not yet released the full findings on the co-pilot’s motives or disclosed whether investigators have established links to any organisation. Those questions remain under investigation.
The GCAA has urged the public to rely on official statements and avoid circulating speculation or unverified claims that could pre-empt the investigation. It said the authorities were coordinating with relevant regional and international bodies and would announce further findings through official channels when procedures were complete.
Flydubai chief executive Ghaith Al Ghaith has also praised the captain, the pilots who helped secure and land the aircraft, cabin crew and passengers who assisted during the emergency. The airline said it was supporting the official investigation and thanked Saudi authorities for their response.
