Saudi Arabia launches air safety probe into flydubai ‘crash attempt’: Report

Saudi Arabia has initiated an air safety investigation into a recent cockpit attack on a Flydubai jet, according to multiple sources. This probe will occur simultaneously with a separate criminal case led by the United Arab Emirates. The incident occurred on September 30 when the co-pilot allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft by attacking the captain with an axe. The plane, en route to Israel, dropped sharply but managed to land safely, with all 172 passengers unharmed.

The Saudi investigation, overseen by the National Transport Safety Center, has not yet provided details on its findings. Furthermore, the country's government and aviation regulator have declined to comment on the matter. The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has appointed a representative for the investigation, given the plane's American origin.

The UAE, the aircraft's registered country, is also participating automatically due to the aviation regulations (Annex 13). UAE officials have not yet responded to Reuters' inquiries.

Meanwhile, the UAE has commenced its own criminal investigation, labeling the incident a "terrorist attack." The co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national, had intended to crash the Flydubai flight into Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. Israel, where the majority of passengers were nationals, has indicated willingness to join the Saudi probe but has not been formally invited.

Israel's Aircraft Safety Investigation Authority head, Ofer Vaknin, stated that the probe might not be necessary due to the plane's lack of operational or safety faults.