DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 1 (Nationwide Times) — The United Arab Emirates ordered an investigation into a cockpit incident that diverted a flydubai flight to Saudi Arabia, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to determine whether the co-pilot had accomplices.
Flight FZ1073 was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Sept. 30 when it diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, flydubai said. The airline described an altercation on the flight deck and said its crew secured the aircraft.
Netanyahu said the co-pilot stabbed the captain and apparently tried to crash the plane. Israeli officials said passengers and crew overpowered the co-pilot, allowing two other flydubai pilots aboard to land the aircraft. Netanyahu said Saudi authorities had arrested the co-pilot and were questioning him.
The UAE prosecutor general ordered an investigation that includes whether the incident was linked to terrorist activity, the UAE state news agency reported. Flydubai said the reasons for the incident were unknown and cautioned against speculation.
Netanyahu said Israel would examine whether the co-pilot had accomplices or any connection to Iran. Asked whether Iran was involved, he said, “It’s too early to say.” He also said Israel might participate in the investigation; its role has not been established.
Netanyahu’s office identified the captain as Smit Machchhar, an Indian national. The Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia said he was in stable condition. Israeli officials said the passengers reached Israel safely.
Flydubai suspended flights to and from Israel during the investigation. Netanyahu’s spokesperson, Doron Spielman, said Israel would check the identities of pilots flying into the country and conduct security checks.
