Flydubai Co-Pilot Accused In Cockpit Attack Transferred From Saudi Arabia To UAE

Saudi Arabia has transferred the Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a flight bound for Israel to the United Arab Emirates, where authorities are investigating the incident.

Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry said on Thursday that the captain, Indian national Smit Machchhar, and co-pilot had been cleared by medical teams after receiving treatment and left the kingdom for Abu Dhabi in the morning, accompanied by an Emirati security team.

The ministry said an initial investigation found that the co-pilot had attacked the captain.

Flight diverted after cockpit struggle

The incident took place on Wednesday as the Flydubai flight was travelling towards Israel. The aircraft was diverted and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after a struggle in the cockpit.

Passengers

reportedly rushed to help the captain after the co-pilot allegedly attacked him. The plane lost around 17,000 feet in altitude within a minute, according to flight-tracking website Flightradar24.

The flight was carrying 174 passengers, with 166 reportedly Israeli nationals. All passengers were later flown back to Israel on another Flydubai aircraft.

UAE probes possible terror link

The UAE’s chief prosecutor said an investigation had been opened, including the possibility of “terrorist activity or intent”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot had undergone what he called “Islamist radical indoctrination”, but did not provide details. He also said the co-pilot had allegedly called out, “Kill me, kill me”, suggesting he may have been suicidal.

Israeli officials have called the incident as an attempted terrorist attack, while Netanyahu had earlier said other possibilities had not been ruled out.

Flydubai said the reasons behind the altercation were not yet known and suspended flights to Israel while investigations continue.

(With inputs from agencies)