The Saudi interior ministry announced on Thursday that the co-pilot of a flydubai flight, who was suspected of attempting to attack the captain and passengers, has been transferred to the United Arab Emirates. The incident occurred on a flight bound for Israel, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot's alleged attack. The ministry stated that the co-pilot, along with the captain, left the kingdom for Abu Dhabi on Thursday morning, accompanied by an Emirati security team.
According to the initial investigation, the co-pilot had attacked the captain, prompting passengers to rush the cockpit. The plane suddenly plummeted, losing around 17,000 feet in altitude within a minute, as reported by Flightradar24. Fortunately, all passengers were reported safe, with media reports indicating that 166 of the 174 passengers were Israeli. The airline stated that the reasons for the altercation were unknown.
The UAE's chief prosecutor has launched an investigation into the incident, including the possibility of "terrorist activity or intent". Israeli officials have described the incident as "an attempted terrorist attack", although they have not ruled out the possibility that mental health issues may have been a factor. The incident has raised concerns, with the UAE's foreign ministry urging reliance on official information and avoidance of speculation until the probe ends.
The flydubai airline has suspended flights to and from Israel pending the investigation. The Indian embassy in the UAE reported that the wounded flydubai captain is in good health. The incident has garnered international attention, with various countries and organizations weighing in on the matter. The Arab League has condemned recent events at Al-Aqsa, warning of attempts to alter its status.
The UAE attorney general has ordered an investigation into the flydubai incident. The incident has sparked widespread interest, with many questions still unanswered. An investigation by the relevant authorities is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the incident. The safety of passengers and crew is of utmost importance, and the incident highlights the need for vigilance.
The transfer of the co-pilot to the UAE was carried out after his health improved and the medical team cleared him. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and risks associated with air travel. Authorities have assured that they are working to determine the cause of the incident and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident is still under investigation, and more information is expected to be released as it becomes available. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are working together to investigate the incident and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The incident highlights the importance of international cooperation in maintaining aviation security.
Key points
- The co-pilot was transferred to the UAE after his health improved.
- The incident is being investigated as a possible terrorist attack.
- The UAE and Saudi Arabia are working together to investigate the incident.
