Australian Authorities Investigate Flydubai Co-Pilot's Connections
Security forces are investigating the Australian background and potential ties to the country of the co-pilot who attacked the captain on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Following the emergency landing in Saudi Arabia of a Flydubai flight after the co-pilot attacked him during the Dubai-Tel Aviv service, the Australian Federal Police confirmed it has begun examining the suspect's connections to the country.
Investigations Conducted in Australia
The Australian Federal Police announced that they are investigating the attacker co-pilot's possible ties to the country in coordination with state police and security agencies. Sources stated that the suspect obtained a student visa in 2014 and studied in Australia between 2015 and 2017.
The In-Flight Attack
On the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv carrying more than 170 passengers, the Omani co-pilot attacked the captain with an axe during the flight. After passengers intervened to neutralize the co-pilot, the aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
The Captain Pilot's Miracle and Treatment Process
The injured captain pilot, Smit Machchhar, stated that with a final effort, he opened the cockpit door from the inside to allow passengers to enter. Machchhar, whose plane was landed by two reserve pilots and who was subsequently hospitalized, was reported to be in stable condition.
Background Details and Investigation
The UAE Public Prosecutor's Office announced that a terrorism investigation is being conducted regarding the incident. It was learned that the suspect had previously been removed from flight training at Oman Air due to radical views and is an aviation management graduate from a university in the UK.