Flydubai Incident News LIVE Updates: Investigators are trying to establish why a Flydubai co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to seize control of a flight bound for Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, where both pilots were taken to hospital before being transferred to Abu Dhabi.
The accused co-pilot, whose identity has not been made public, is said by Israel to be an Omani national. Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry said preliminary investigations found that the co-pilot assaulted the captain, causing injuries to both men. The suspect was later transferred to the UAE with an Emirati security team after being medically cleared to travel.
The UAE has launched an investigation, including
into whether the incident involved terrorist activity or intent. No motive or details about the alleged weapon have been officially disclosed.
Indian captain Smit Machchhar, who was injured in the incident, has also been moved to Abu Dhabi for further treatment. India’s embassy said he was recovering well.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has alleged that the co-pilot underwent “Islamist radical indoctrination”. US President Donald Trump has also suggested a possible link to Iran, but neither has provided evidence publicly. Trump said the possibility was still being investigated.
