Investigation Underway into Cockpit Attack on FlyDubai Flight
A passenger flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot attacked the captain. The investigation is ongoing.
Authorities are investigating the motive behind an incident on a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv where the co-pilot attacked the captain, prompting an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia following intervention by passengers and crew.
Background of the Incident and Investigation Process
Authorities began work on Thursday to determine the motivation behind the co-pilot's knife attack on the captain during Wednesday's flight. The United Arab Emirates government announced it would lead the investigation to examine whether the incident has any connection to terrorism.
Statements by the Israeli Prime Minister
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that the co-pilot, identified by Israeli authorities as an Omani citizen, may have been subjected to Islamist radical indoctrination. The international dimension of the incident and security measures are being meticulously examined.
Intervention by Passengers and Crew
The attacked captain, Smit Machchhar, survived and was airlifted to Abu Dhabi. Two reserve pilots took control of the aircraft and made a safe landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. Passengers, including Tzvika Manes and Asaf Rajuan, subdued the attacker and moved the injured pilot to a safe area.
Suspension of Flights
Following this unusual and dangerous development, the FlyDubai airline announced that it was temporarily suspending flight operations between Dubai and Tel Aviv. Security measures and procedures are being reviewed.