Dubai-based airline flydubai has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Israel following a serious security incident aboard flight FZ1073, which was forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after an altercation in the cockpit.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport on Wednesday when an emergency situation developed in the cockpit. The aircraft transmitted emergency codes, including one associated with a possible hijacking, shortly after departing Dubai International Airport.
According to Israeli officials, the co-pilot allegedly attempted to sabotage the aircraft and attacked Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot who was flying the aircraft. The plane was cruising at around 34,000 feet when it began a rapid descent, losing thousands of feet in a matter of seconds.
Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the attacker. Two other flydubai pilots who were travelling on the aircraft as relief crew then took control of the plane and diverted it to Tabuk, where it landed safely.
Why has flydubai suspended Israel flights?
flydubai said the temporary suspension was being implemented in coordination with relevant authorities while investigations into the September 30 incident continue.
The airline said the measure would allow authorities to establish the facts surrounding the incident and reiterated that the safety and wellbeing of passengers, crew and operations remain its highest priority. It added that it would review the suspension as more information becomes available.
Pilot Smit Machchhar remains stable
Machchhar was taken to hospital in Tabuk along with the other injured pilot. Indian authorities said Machchhar is receiving medical treatment and is in stable condition. Reports said he underwent surgery following the attack.
Machchhar's actions during the incident have drawn praise from Indian and Israeli leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the Indian pilot as a hero, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised his actions in helping prevent a potential catastrophe.
Investigation into the cockpit attack
The motive behind the confrontation remains unclear. flydubai has urged people to avoid premature speculation while authorities investigate what happened inside the cockpit and how the attacker was able to carry a sharp object onto the aircraft.
The incident triggered heightened security concerns in Israel. Israeli officials have indicated that additional checks on pilots flying into the country could be introduced following the episode.
The passengers eventually reached Israel on a replacement aircraft after the emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The incident is now being investigated by aviation and security authorities as they work to establish the circumstances surrounding the cockpit confrontation and the subsequent rapid descent.
