UAE investigates possible terrorism link in Israel-bound flight incident

The United Arab Emirates announced on Thursday, October 1, that it was investigating a possible terrorist link to an apparent attack by a pilot aboard a flight to Israel.

Flydubai said another on-duty crew travelling aboard the flight diverted the aircraft and landed it safely. The airline also said it was suspending flights to Israel while an investigation took place.

Flydubai said all passengers were safe, but that the reasons for the altercation were unknown.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he expected the United Arab Emirates to lead the investigation. He also said Israel would join the inquiry.

Netanyahu credited flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, and passengers with averting catastrophe.

India's embassy in Saudi Arabia said Machchhar was receiving treatment at a hospital in the country. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised him as a hero.

A passenger said one of the pilots on an Israel-bound flight diverted that day attacked his co-pilot and tried to crash the aircraft, intending to kill everyone aboard.

Passenger Miryam Shira Ohayon described the aircraft as largely out of control when a stabbing occurred over Jordan. She said the incident happened on a flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

Speaking to reporters through a speakerphone held by her mother at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, the passenger alleged that the co-pilot tried to kill the pilot and carry out a suicide attack.

She said the aircraft appeared close to crashing before several people took control of the co-pilot and subdued him. Her account credited their intervention with preventing the crash she feared.

The passenger also said a doctor provided first aid and that people treated both pilots. She described fear of a crash as the main concern during the incident.

Passenger says pilot tried to crash diverted Israel-bound flight

Community discussion