Saudi Arabia has handed over the Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar during Flight FZ1073 to the UAE. The Dubai-Tel Aviv flight was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the cockpit incident caused the aircraft to lose thousands of feet in altitude. All 174 people on board survived.
UAE authorities are investigating the circumstances and motive behind the attack, including whether it involved militant activity, prior planning or direction. Officials have urged the public not to speculate while the investigation is ongoing. Saudi Arabia’s initial probe found that the captain was assaulted by the co-pilot, leaving both pilots injured.
Captain Machchhar, an Indian pilot, managed to open the cockpit door despite being injured, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and restrain the co-pilot. The aircraft was subsequently brought under control and landed safely in Tabuk. Machchhar was later transferred to Abu Dhabi for medical care.
