Flydubai Cockpit Attack: Co-Pilot’s Background and Motive Under Investigation
The background and possible motive of the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machchhar aboard a Flydubai flight are being investigated by authorities following the mid-air incident.
The co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar during Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, prompting an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The aircraft had reportedly plunged nearly 14,000 feet before passengers and crew intervened and the plane was brought under control.
A fellow Flydubai pilot, speaking to Israel’s Channel 16 according to reports, described the Omani co-pilot as displaying what the colleague considered unusually strict religious behaviour. The colleague reportedly claimed that the co-pilot prayed frequently and declined to shake hands with women. These remarks have not independently established a connection between his religious practices and the alleged attack.
The co-pilot’s identity has not been publicly released. Reports have identified him as an Omani national who was taken into custody after the aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu Raises Radicalisation Claim
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has separately alleged that the co-pilot had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination. However, he also said investigators were still working to establish the attacker’s background, possible accomplices and whether there was any connection to Iran. No such external involvement has been confirmed at this stage.
The United Arab Emirates has launched an investigation into the incident, while Saudi authorities are handling the immediate inquiry following the emergency landing. Investigators are examining whether the attack was premeditated, whether it had a terrorist motive and whether anyone else was involved.
Questions Over Flight Assignment
Reports have also raised questions about how the Omani first officer was assigned to operate a flight bound for Israel. A fellow pilot reportedly expressed surprise over the assignment and questioned whether the airline’s procedures had been followed.
However, details concerning Flydubai’s internal crew-assignment policies and the circumstances under which the co-pilot was cleared for the route have not been independently established.
Investigation Continues
The incident has drawn international attention after Machchhar was seriously injured but managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and other crew members to intervene. Off-duty pilots travelling on the aircraft subsequently helped regain control and land the plane safely in Tabuk.
While Israeli officials have raised the possibility of a terrorist motive and allegations of radicalisation, investigators have yet to establish the precise reason for the attack. Flydubai has urged caution against speculation as the formal investigation continues.