Flydubai cockpit attack: Saudi Arabia opens aviation safety probe to examine risks after mid-air stabbing

Saudi Arabia has initiated an aviation safety investigation following a mid-air assault on a Flydubai aircraft, according to sources close to the situation. The incident occurred on September 30 when a co-pilot allegedly attempted to stab the captain during a flight bound for Israel. The probe, orchestrated by Saudi Arabia's National Transport Safety Center, aims to assess potential aviation risks in light of the incident.

Although not mandatory due to the deliberate nature of the act, such safety probes are standard procedure following accidents. The United States National Transportation Safety Board, given the aircraft's American design, and the UAE, being the registered owner of the jet, are expected to participate in the probe. The UAE has also launched a separate criminal investigation, describing the act as a "terrorist attack."

Israel, which had a majority of passengers on board, has expressed willingness to collaborate in the safety investigation but has not yet been formally invited. Despite the lack of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, international cooperation mechanisms have historically facilitated such joint investigations.