The United Arab Emirates has launched an investigation into a possible terrorist link after a flydubai flight from Saudi Arabia to Israel was diverted to Saudi Arabia due to an on-board attack. The incident occurred on Wednesday, and passengers were given a hero's welcome by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon their arrival. Netanyahu credited the pilot, Indian national Smit Machchhar, and passengers with averting a catastrophe.
According to passengers, the plane suddenly plummeted, losing around 17,000 feet of altitude in a minute, prompting them to rush the cockpit. The co-pilot allegedly stabbed the pilot and tried to crash the plane. Netanyahu described the incident as an attempted terrorist attack, while UAE's chief prosecutor said the investigation would include the possibility of "terrorist activity or intent".
Israeli officials have condemned the incident, with Netanyahu's office describing it as an "attempted terrorist attack against Israelis, the United Arab Emirates, and the Abraham Accords". Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, called it a "jihadist" attack, while Defence Minister Israel Katz described the incident as "an attempted jihadist terror attack".
The pilot, Smit Machchhar, was being treated at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed him as a "HERO" for his bravery. Modi said Machchhar's valour helped save hundreds of lives. An Israeli passenger, Yanik, was also praised by Netanyahu for his role in overpowering the attacker.
Passengers described the scene on board as chaotic, with Miryam Shira Ohayon telling reporters that the plane was "pretty much out of control" as the incident unfolded. She credited the resourcefulness of many people who took control of the co-pilot and neutralised him with preventing a crash.
The airline, flydubai, has suspended flights to Israel while the investigation takes place. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar spoke with his UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and they agreed to collaborate against extremist elements seeking to harm security and undermine stability.
US President Donald Trump discussed the incident with Netanyahu and said it seemed the co-pilot was either a terrorist or "a whack-job". The incident has raised concerns about aviation security and the potential for terrorist activity.
Key points
- The UAE is investigating a possible terrorist link in the attack on the flydubai flight.
- The incident has been condemned by Israeli officials as an attempted terrorist attack.
- The pilot and passengers have been hailed as heroes for their bravery in averting a catastrophe.
