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UAE Probes Flydubai Cockpit Attack: Terror Link, Prior Planning Investigated
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News18•01-10-2026, 17:13
UAE Probes Flydubai Cockpit Attack: Terror Link, Prior Planning Investigated
- •The UAE has launched an investigation into an incident aboard a Flydubai flight where an Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, was seriously injured after being attacked by his co-pilot.
- •Flydubai flight FZ1073, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers, was diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after the cockpit altercation.
- •The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed its judicial authorities have jurisdiction over the case as the aircraft is UAE-registered, even though the incident occurred outside UAE territory.
- •UAE Attorney-General Counsellor Hamad Al Shamsi has formed a specialized team to investigate the motive, including potential links to terrorist activity or prior planning.
- •The alleged attacker, believed to be an Omani national, is in Saudi custody, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating he may be transferred to the UAE for further investigation.
Key Questions Answered
The UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and operates under its flag, allowing the country to handle crimes committed aboard its registered aircraft even outside its territory.
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured in the cockpit altercation but fought back to prevent escalation. The alleged attacker, believed to be an Omani national and the co-pilot, was arrested after landing in Tabuk and placed in Saudi custody for questioning.
Yes, UAE Attorney-General Counsellor Hamad Al Shamsi ordered a specialized Public Prosecution team to investigate the incident's motive, specifically examining whether it involved terrorist activity, prior planning, or outside direction.
