Flydubai Cockpit Attack Was Pre-Planned Terrorist Act, UAE Says
The UAE Prosecutor General said the co-pilot attacked the pilot inside the cockpit before attempting to seize control of the aircraft.
The United Arab Emirates has classified the cockpit attack aboard a Dubai-to-Israel flight that made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia as an act of terrorism, according to UAE authorities.
The UAE Prosecutor General said the co-pilot attacked the pilot inside the cockpit before attempting to seize control of the aircraft.
According to UAE prosecutors, the co-pilot had planned the terrorist act in advance.
Authorities said an investigation was underway to determine the circumstances and motives behind the incident as well as any possible links connected to the attack. Investigators are also examining physical and digital evidence related to the incident.
The airline, meanwhile, said investigations into the incident remained underway and that it was therefore not in a position to comment further.
According to an international news agency, the co-pilot involved in the Flydubai incident has been identified as Omani national Humam Al-Hammami.
What Happened on the Dubai-Israel Flight?
The incident occurred on September 30 aboard an Emirati flight travelling from Dubai to Israel when one pilot attacked and injured the other inside the cockpit.
An attempt was made to seize control of the aircraft and crash it. A total of 174 passengers were aboard the flight, including 169 Israelis.
The situation was brought under control after passengers aboard the aircraft intervened and restrained the co-pilot. Other off-duty airline pilots travelling on the flight subsequently took control of the aircraft and landed it safely in Saudi Arabia.
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Saudi authorities arrested the pilot accused of carrying out the attack and began questioning him. The suspect remains in Saudi custody.
Injured Pilot Issues First Statement
The injured pilot, Samat Mach Chahar, has since issued his first statement following the incident, thanking his colleagues, passengers and crew members for standing by him during the emergency.
“As a pilot, I performed my duty, and I am grateful that the aircraft landed safely and the passengers remained safe,” he said.
Trump Earlier Warned Iran Over Possible Link
During the initial phase of the incident, US President Donald Trump warned of a severe response if Iran was found to be connected to the Flydubai incident.
Trump said that if Tehran was found to have been involved in the incident, Iran would be hit “very hard.”
The UAE investigation is continuing to establish the full circumstances and motive behind the cockpit attack and determine whether the suspect had any external links.
