UAE Orders Investigation into Flydubai Cockpit Attack

Dubai: The United Arab Emirates has ordered an investigation into a knife attack in the cockpit of Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Investigators will examine the circumstances and motives behind the incident, including whether it was linked to terrorism.
UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi ordered the formation of a specialised public prosecution team. The inquiry will also determine whether the incident was premeditated or involved the direction of an individual or group.
The flight was diverted to the Saudi city of Tabuk after an altercation broke out in the cockpit. It landed safely, and Saudi authorities said preliminary findings indicated that the co-pilot had assaulted the captain.
Israeli officials identified the co-pilot as an Omani national and said he attacked Indian captain Smit Machchhar with a knife. The injured captain reportedly managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to restrain the alleged attacker. Two off-duty pilots travelling on the flight helped regain control of the aircraft and land it safely in Tabuk.
Flydubai urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation is under way. Saudi authorities initially detained the co-pilot for questioning, while reports said he would later be handed over to the UAE.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said investigators would examine whether the attacker had accomplices and whether Iran was involved. He stressed, however, that it was too early to draw any conclusions about possible Iranian involvement