The United Arab Emirates has launched an investigation into a mid-air incident involving a Flydubai flight, including whether it involved terrorist activity or intent.
The incident unfolded after the aircraft reportedly lost around 17,000 feet in altitude within a minute, prompting passengers and crew members to intervene and help regain control of the plane. The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as a possible attempted terrorist attack, while crediting the flight’s Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, and passengers for preventing a potential disaster.
Netanyahu alleged that the co-pilot, reportedly an Omani national, had undergone Islamist radicalisation and had shouted for the crew to kill him. The claims have not been independently established.
The UAE chief prosecutor said the investigation would examine the circumstances of the incident, including the possibility of a terrorist motive.
Israeli officials have also characterised the incident as an attempted terror attack. However, Netanyahu previously acknowledged that investigators would also need to consider whether the co-pilot’s actions were linked to a mental health issue.
The alleged attacker was reportedly overpowered by the captain and passengers and was being questioned in Saudi Arabia. UAE authorities are expected to lead the investigation, with Israeli officials saying they would cooperate.
