India Launches Independent Probe into Flydubai Hijacking Attempt

The Indian government announced on Saturday that it has opened an independent investigation into a Flydubai flight incident where the co-pilot allegedly attacked the Indian pilot, Smith Machahar, in an attempt to hijack the plane and crash it at Ben Gurion Airport. Indian investigative authorities stated that Flight 1073, piloted by Machahar, departed Dubai on September 30th with 174 passengers and six crew members. The aircraft began a rapid descent around 9:21 AM near the Jordan-Saudi border. Passengers reported that the first officer stabbed Captain Smith during the flight, apparently in an attempt to hijack or crash the plane, but was subdued by passengers and crew. The captain sustained deep cuts to his head and hands from the attack. India's National Investigation Agency is empowered to conduct an independent inquiry under the National Investigation Agency Act of 2008 due to the offenses committed against the Indian pilot. The agency deemed the case requires a thorough investigation due to the severity of the offense and its significant national and international implications.

Separately, the Attorney General of the United Arab Emirates stated that the co-pilot planned to take control of the aircraft and carry out a suicide attack at Ben Gurion Airport. According to the statement, the suspect's radicalization began in 2017 while he was studying in Melbourne, Australia, where he adopted extremist views. His plan was reportedly inspired by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States. He gathered intelligence on flight paths and Ben Gurion Airport for two flights to Israel prior to the attempted attack. The Attorney General added that the suspect met all professional and security requirements for employment at Flydubai, and pre-employment screenings did not reveal any signs of extremist views or terrorist intentions.