UAE calls Flydubai cockpit incident a ‘terrorist act’: What investigators are probing

A senior UAE official has described the mid-air incident involving Flydubai  flight FZ1073 as a “terrorist act” and praised Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for his actions during the cockpit confrontation that forced the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight to divert to Saudi Arabia.

UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash described the incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 as a “terrorist act” in a post on X on Friday.

Gargash praised Captain Smit Machchhar for confronting what he described as a serious terrorist act and for helping prevent a potentially catastrophic outcome.

He also stressed the need for vigilance and precaution in the face of extremism and terrorism.

The comments mark the first reported instance of a senior UAE official publicly describing the incident as a terrorist act. The UAE government had previously said its investigation would examine the circumstances and motives of the incident, including any possible connection to terrorist activity, prior planning or direction.

What happened aboard flydubai FZ1073?

The incident occurred on September 30 aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv.

According to reports, an altercation broke out inside the cockpit involving the Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, and the co-pilot.

Machchhar was reportedly injured during the confrontation but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene.

Three Israeli passengers reportedly helped restrain the attacker. Two additional pilots who were travelling on the aircraft then took control of the flight.

The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. The flight was carrying 174 passengers and eight crew members, according to reports.

UAE orders specialised investigation

A day after the incident, the UAE ordered a specialised investigation into the circumstances and causes of the incident.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Attorney-General Dr Hamad Al Shamsi had ordered the formation of a team comprising specialised members of the Public Prosecution to investigate the case.

The investigation will examine the circumstances and motives behind the incident, including whether there was any connection to terrorist activity, prior planning or direction.

The UAE has also asserted jurisdiction over the investigation because the aircraft is registered in the country and operates under its flag. The ministry said UAE law applies to crimes committed onboard the aircraft, including incidents occurring outside UAE territory.

The UAE has not publicly disclosed the identity of the co-pilot accused of attacking Machchhar and allegedly attempting to take control of the aircraft. Some Israeli officials and media reports have identified the co-pilot as an Omani national, although his identity has not been officially released by the UAE.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said in an interview with Fox News that the co-pilot had undergone what he described as religious Islamic radicalisation in recent months. These remain claims made by Israeli officials and have not been established as findings of the UAE investigation.

Saudi Arabia involved in initial investigation

The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport after being diverted from its original route.

According to The Times of Israel, Saudi Arabia is expected to conduct the initial investigation into the Omani co-pilot before handing him over to UAE authorities for further investigation.

The UAE's assertion of jurisdiction is based on the aircraft's registration and flag, while Saudi Arabia's involvement stems from the aircraft's diversion and landing at Tabuk.

Captain Smit Machchhar has received praise for his role in the incident after reportedly managing to open the cockpit door despite being injured.

Passengers were then able to intervene, while additional pilots onboard took control of the aircraft.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also spoken to Machchhar following the incident and praised his actions during the emergency.

The latest comments from the UAE official add a new dimension to the incident as investigators examine the alleged attack, the co-pilot's motives and whether there was any advance planning or connection to terrorism.

The UAE investigation is expected to examine the sequence of events inside the cockpit, the alleged attack on Machchhar, the attempt to interfere with the aircraft's operation and the circumstances surrounding the co-pilot's actions.

It will also establish whether the incident had any links to terrorism, prior planning or direction.

Until the investigation is completed, the exact motive and classification of the incident remain subject to the findings of the authorities.