Was Flydubai cockpit attack preplanned? UAE probe examines possible terror link

Dubai: The UAE has launched a specialised judicial investigation into the Flydubai cockpit attack that forced a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight to divert to Saudi Arabia, with authorities examining whether the incident involved terrorist intent, prior planning or outside direction.

The United Arab Emirates has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the mid-air incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv before being diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.

The investigation will examine the circumstances and motives behind the cockpit disturbance, including whether there was any connection to terrorist activity, prior planning or direction, according to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

What happened aboard the Flydubai flight?

Flight FZ1073 was reportedly diverted after an altercation inside the cockpit involving the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, and his Omani co-pilot.

Machchhar was reportedly injured during the incident but managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers then intervened, while two additional pilots travelling on the aircraft took control and landed the Boeing 737 safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.

Three Israeli passengers reportedly helped restrain the alleged attacker.

UAE launches specialised investigation

UAE Attorney-General Counsellor Dr Hamad Al Shamsi has directed the formation of a specialised Public Prosecution team to investigate the incident.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said investigators would examine all circumstances and motives, including any possible terrorist connection or intent and whether the incident involved prior planning or direction.

The UAE has also asserted jurisdiction over the case because the aircraft is registered in the country and operates under its flag. The ministry said UAE law applies to offences committed onboard the aircraft even when it is outside UAE territory.

Will Saudi Arabia investigate first?

Saudi authorities handled the aircraft after it diverted to Tabuk. 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 the UAE for further investigation.

The UAE has thanked Saudi authorities for their cooperation and response following the emergency landing.

Authorities have also urged the public and media to rely on official information and avoid spreading unverified claims while the investigation continues.

Who is Captain Smit Machchhar?

Captain Smit Machchhar is an Indian commercial pilot with more than 13 years of aviation experience and around 9,750 flying hours. He has predominantly operated Boeing 737 aircraft.

Before joining Flydubai, Machchhar reportedly spent 11 years with SpiceJet, where he served as a Line Training Captain.

The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi said Ambassador Deepak Mittal and Consul General in Dubai Vishnu Vardhan Reddy met Machchhar's family to convey the Indian government's support.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Machchhar's actions during the incident and said he had spoken with the pilot's parents and wife about his condition.

Flydubai suspends Israel flights

Flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel while the investigation into the incident continues.

The flight was ultimately brought to safety after the reported cockpit attack, but the UAE investigation is now expected to establish the circumstances behind the incident, including whether the alleged attack was spontaneous or involved advance planning or external direction.

The UAE investigation is significant because authorities are not limiting their inquiry to the immediate cockpit altercation. The official mandate specifically includes examining a possible terrorist connection, terrorist intent, prior planning and direction.

However, the inclusion of these possibilities in the investigation does not establish that the incident was a terrorist attack or that it was planned. Those questions remain subject to the ongoing investigation.

The case also involves multiple jurisdictions. The aircraft is registered in the UAE, the flight originated in Dubai, the intended destination was Tel Aviv, and the aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia following the incident. The UAE has stated that its legal jurisdiction applies because the aircraft operates under its flag, while Saudi authorities are handling the initial phase of the investigation.

Further findings from the UAE and Saudi investigations will therefore be important in establishing the motive and sequence of events.