New Delhi, Oct. 2 -- The United Arab Emirates has maintained a cautious stance on the identity and background of the co-pilot accused of attacking Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, as investigators examine whether the incident was an isolated act or part of a wider plan.
The Dubai-Tel Aviv flight was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia on September 30 after the co-pilot allegedly assaulted Machchhar inside the cockpit. The aircraft had experienced a steep loss of altitude during the confrontation before passengers and other crew members intervened. Saudi Arabia conducted an initial investigation before handing the co-pilot over to UAE authorities. The UAE has now launched its own probe into the circumstances and possible motive behind the incident.
UAE probes possible terror connection
The UAE has said its investigation will examine all circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether there was any connection to terrorist activity or intent and whether the attack involved prior planning or direction.
Authorities have also urged the public and media to avoid circulating unverified information while the investigation is underway. Early reports about the incident, including details concerning the co-pilot's nationality and background, have not all been independently confirmed. The co-pilot's name has not been publicly disclosed by UAE authorities. Israeli officials have identified him as an Omani national, but Oman, the UAE and Flydubai have not publicly confirmed his identity.
What happened inside the cockpit?
According to the preliminary findings released by Saudi authorities, the pilot was assaulted by his co-pilot, leaving both men injured. The aircraft subsequently went into a sharp descent, losing nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Captain Machchhar, despite suffering injuries, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene. Passengers overpowered the attacker, while other pilots travelling on the aircraft helped regain control of the plane. The flight was subsequently diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport.
The exact weapon allegedly used in the assault remains unclear. Investigators are examining whether the co-pilot used a knife or the crash axe kept inside the cockpit, a distinction that could be significant in determining how the attack occurred.
Why the co-pilot's identity is a key question
The co-pilot's reported Omani nationality has raised questions because Oman does not have diplomatic relations with Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot had allegedly undergone radical Islamist indoctrination and described him as suicidal. However, these claims remain part of the wider investigation and have not been established as the official motive for the attack. Two Israeli security officials separately said their initial assessment was that the co-pilot was likely acting alone, although the investigation remained ongoing. They also said there was no evidence at that stage pointing to Iranian involvement.
Is there a conspiracy or terror angle?
The UAE is specifically examining whether the incident had a terrorist motive, involved prior planning or was directed by someone else. The possibility has gained attention because the aircraft was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and was carrying more than 170 people. Any deliberate attempt to take control of the aircraft could have resulted in a major disaster.
However, authorities have not publicly established that the attack was part of a wider conspiracy. The investigation is still examining the co-pilot's motives, his actions inside the cockpit and whether anyone else was involved.
What happened to Captain Smit Machchhar?
Machchhar was seriously injured during the cockpit assault and was initially treated in Saudi Arabia before being transferred to Abu Dhabi. Indian Ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal visited him at the hospital. The Indian mission said the captain was recovering well and was in good health.
Machchhar has been praised for his actions during the emergency, particularly for opening the cockpit door despite his injuries. This allowed passengers to reach the flight deck and restrain the attacker.
Why Indian officials have not questioned Machchhar
Sources cited in the report said Indian officials who met Machchhar in the UAE were asked not to question him about the incident.
The request comes as investigators continue to establish exactly what happened inside the cockpit. Machchhar is recovering under medical care, with his family also in the UAE.
What investigators still need to establish
Several important questions remain unanswered. Investigators will need to determine the co-pilot's exact identity and background, what prompted the alleged attack, how the weapon used in the assault was obtained, whether the attack was premeditated and whether anyone assisted or directed the co-pilot.
They will also examine whether the incident had any connection to terrorism and whether the co-pilot was acting alone. For now, the UAE has not publicly confirmed the co-pilot's name or accepted the various claims circulating about his background. The investigation involving UAE, Saudi and Israeli authorities is continuing.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.