UAE Probes flydubai Mid-Air Terror Attack
UAE Attorney General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has officially launched a formal terror investigation into a harrowing mid-air incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073. The probe follows a violent cockpit struggle that resulted in a sudden, massive descent of the aircraft over Saudi Arabian airspace.
A Terrifying Descent Over Saudi Arabia
The Boeing 737 MAX 8, carrying 174 passengers, departed from Dubai International at 7:05 a.m. on September 30, destined for Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. At approximately 9:21 a.m. Dubai time, while flying over Saudi Arabian airspace, the aircraft experienced a sudden and violent loss of altitude.
Tracking data revealed a terrifying sequence of events during the struggle for control:
- The aircraft plunged over 20,000 feet during the incident.
- Reports indicate an initial drop of 14,000 feet occurred during the cockpit struggle.
- The flight issued the international hijack signal, code 7500.
Heroic Actions Save 174 Lives
Amidst the chaos, the aircraft's captain, identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar, fought to maintain control of the plane. Despite suffering severe stab wounds to his neck and upper body, the Mumbai-born veteran—who has over 9,500 flight hours—managed to unlock the cockpit door before losing consciousness.
His actions allowed passengers and off-duty flydubai crew members to intervene. The group successfully subdued the attacker and regained control of the aircraft, which eventually made an emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk at approximately 10:45 a.m. UAE time.
Conflicting Reports and Terror Allegations
While the investigation is ongoing, political leaders have weighed in on the nature of the assault. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the first officer stabbed the captain in an attempt to crash the plane. Defense Minister Israel Katz further characterized the event as an attempted jihadist terror attack.
There are also conflicting reports regarding the identity of the attacker. While Israeli President Isaac Herzog alleged the co-pilot was an Omani national, this has not been confirmed by UAE authorities, Oman, or flydubai.
Current Status of the Captain
Captain Machchhar, a former senior commander with SpiceJet, underwent emergency surgery in Saudi Arabia. The Indian embassy in Riyadh has confirmed that he remains in stable condition. His bravery has drawn international recognition, with praise coming from US President Donald Trump and Indian leadership.
Ongoing Investigation
The UAE prosecutor has urged the public to refrain from circulating unverified claims as the legal team works alongside the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The investigation aims to determine if the assault was a pre-planned act of terrorism.