Jerusalem, October 1: Saudi Arabia has arrested a pilot following an alleged attack inside the cockpit of a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
The incident took place aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 while the aircraft was heading towards Israel. Netanyahu said the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain during the flight, triggering an emergency response from the crew.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8, carrying 174 passengers and crew members, was diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely following the incident.
The captain, Indian national Smit Machchhar, was reportedly injured during the confrontation. Despite being attacked, he managed to respond and get the cockpit door opened, allowing others on board to intervene.
Two off-duty Flydubai pilots travelling as passengers also assisted the crew after the cockpit door was opened. The suspected attacker was eventually restrained and handed over to Saudi authorities after the aircraft landed.
Netanyahu praised the captain, crew members and passengers for their actions during the emergency, saying their intervention helped prevent the situation from becoming more serious.
Saudi authorities have taken the suspected attacker into custody and launched an investigation. The motive behind the alleged attack has not yet been established.
Flydubai described the incident as an altercation involving members of the flight crew. The aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia as a precaution, while arrangements were made for passengers to continue their journey to Israel.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia, Israel and the United Arab Emirates are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, including what led to the confrontation inside the cockpit.
The episode has also raised questions about cockpit security and procedures for handling threats involving flight crew members. Investigators are expected to examine the sequence of events and the actions taken by the crew and passengers.
Further details about the investigation, including the identity and possible motive of the suspected attacker, are expected as authorities continue their inquiry.
