Israel vows to get to 'root' of flydubai attack, UAE launches investigation
By Maayan Lubell and Eman Abouhassira JERUSALEM/DUBAI, Oct 1 (Reuters) - Questions loomed on Thursday over the motives and background of a co-pilot who stabbed the captain of apassenger jet on its way to Israel, in what Israeli officials have said was an apparent attempt to crash the plane with more than 170 people on board.
Flydubai has suspended flights to and from Israel following a mid-air security incident on flight FZ 1073. The flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after an altercation on the flight deck. The crew secured the aircraft and safely landed at Tabuk Airport. There are conflicting reports regarding the nature of the incident, with some accounts suggesting a passenger stabbed one of the pilots.
The aircraft experienced a rapid descent of 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the actions of Indian co-pilot Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed during the incident. He was hailed as a hero for his bravery in preventing a potential crash. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the UAE's aviation authority examining both operational and security aspects.
Flydubai is coordinating closely with government authorities and regulators, and will review the suspension as more information becomes available.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Attacker's motive remain unknown after FlyDubai flight to Israel escapes disaster france24.com
- El Al to operate rescue flights from Dubai to Israel; first flight expected to depart tomorrow israelnationalnews.com
- UAE probes possible 'terror' incident on flight to Israel al-monitor.com
- Flydubai suspends Israel flights after mid-air security incident thenationalnews.com
- UAE thanks Saudi Arabia for cooperation in Flydubai incident, launches investigation english.ajel.sa
