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UAE Probes Flydubai Hijack Scare as Potential Terror Plot
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Firstpost•01-10-2026, 18:28
UAE Probes Flydubai Hijack Scare as Potential Terror Plot
- •The UAE has launched a special investigation into an alleged attempt by an Omani co-pilot to crash a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, examining all circumstances and motives, including possible links to terrorist activity.
- •The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Attorney-General Counsellor Dr Hamad Al Shamsi directed the formation of a specialized Public Prosecution team to investigate flydubai flight FZ1073.
- •The flight, diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after an altercation in the cockpit, is under UAE jurisdiction for investigation as the aircraft is registered in the UAE and operates under its flag.
- •The investigation will explore potential connections to terrorist activity or intent, and whether the incident involved prior planning or direction.
- •Initial reports suggest the Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Indian captain Smit Machchhar, leading to injuries, before passengers and two additional pilots onboard intervened to secure the aircraft and land it safely.
Key Questions Answered
Flydubai flight FZ1073 was diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after an alleged altercation broke out inside the cockpit between the pilot and the Omani co-pilot.
During the altercation, the injured Indian captain Smit Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door so passengers could intervene. Three Israeli passengers helped restrain the co-pilot, while two additional pilots onboard took control of the aircraft and landed safely.
The UAE Attorney-General directed a specialised Public Prosecution team to investigate all circumstances and motives surrounding the incident. The probe is examining whether there were any possible connections to terrorist activity, prior planning, or direction.
