The Emirates News Agency published the update under the heading “Planning, attempted terrorist act behind flydubai flight FZ1073 incident: Attorney-General” detailing how the co-pilot began executing a premeditated plan during the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to Counsellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi the attacker assaulted the captain inside the flight deck using a crash axe while attempting to take over the aircraft’s controls. The Attorney-General added that the Public Prosecution team formed immediately after the incident continues to examine all aspects of the case.
A statement from the Attorney-General reported that investigations seek to establish the full circumstances surrounding the September 30 event along with the motives and any potential links. Technical examinations and analysis of all physical and digital evidence remain in progress with final results to be released once procedures conclude. The Attorney-General had earlier directed the specialized team to verify any connection to terrorist activity or prior planning while urging the public to refrain from speculation.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 operating as flight FZ1073 with 174 passengers including many Israelis transmitted emergency and hijack codes before diverting to Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk Saudi Arabia where it made a safe landing. Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the cockpit assault as an attempted jihadist terrorist attack that passengers helped thwart by breaching the door and overpowering the assailant. Captain Smit Machchhar the Indian national at the controls sustained serious stab wounds but underwent successful surgery and remains stable according to embassy updates.
Reports from Israeli and UAE sources identified the co-pilot as an Omani national who had joined flydubai months earlier and was arrested at the Saudi airport after the plane landed. Saudi authorities cooperated closely with investigators from the UAE Israel and the United States as the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged in its own statement. Both pilots received medical treatment in the UAE following their transfer from Tabuk with the aircraft sustaining rudder damage during the rapid descent of more than 14 000 feet in under a minute.
The General Civil Aviation Authority commended the courage and swift response of Captain Machchhar the crew and the passengers who assisted in restoring control during the security incident. In its assessment the authority highlighted how their actions prevented greater harm on a route that has operated routinely between Dubai and Tel Aviv. This recognition accompanied the Attorney-General’s confirmation that the event constituted a planned and attempted terrorist act.
Further cooperation among the involved nations aims to clarify how any weapon entered the cockpit and whether external direction influenced the co-pilot’s actions. Flydubai has suspended its Dubai-Tel Aviv services while the investigation proceeds according to airline statements. The Attorney-General’s office continues to lead the probe with emphasis on comprehensive evidence review before any conclusions are finalized.
