A flight from Dubai to Israel on Wednesday (September 30) was involved in an apparent attempted hijacking incident, narrowly avoiding a major disaster. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday (October 1) that the copilot, who attacked the captain in the cockpit and attempted to crash the plane, is currently under interrogation. The investigation revealed that he had “been subjected to Islamic radical indoctrination” and showed clear signs of a suicidal tendency.
Netanyahu revealed in an interview with Fox News, “We know that he had been subjected to Islamic radical indoctrination. From his personal profile, it seems that this is the case.”
The Israeli Prime Minister also mentioned that it is premature to determine if the copilot’s actions are related to Iran, but emphasized that it would be clarified within a few days. He added that the copilot exhibited a suicidal tendency.
“It is evident that he has a suicidal tendency, there is no doubt about it,” Netanyahu said, further noting that it is highly likely he attempted to crash the plane. Along with “the Islamist tendencies found in his background and those radical signs, I believe this…is a very strong lead.”
He stated that after being subdued by passengers on board, the copilot shouted, “Kill me.”
The incident occurred on Wednesday on flydubai FZ1073 flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. A passenger who entered the cockpit to help subdue the copilot recalled seeing the copilot attempting to damage the aircraft’s instruments while the captain was lying in a pool of blood.
Two Israeli security officials stated that Israel’s initial assessment suggests that the copilot, who is of Omani nationality, likely acted alone. International investigators are working to determine why he attacked the captain and attempted to seize control of the plane.
On Thursday, Netanyahu reported that Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who was attacked by the copilot, sustained serious injuries to his head and other parts of his body. His head was stabbed, his arm almost severed, and blood was flowing. He managed to unlock the cockpit, allowing others to enter and collectively subdue the attacker. The plane ultimately made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, with over 170 people on board being rescued.
After the landing, Captain Machchhar was urgently taken to a nearby hospital for stabilizing treatment. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that he was later transferred to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, for further treatment. The Indian Embassy in the UAE reassured on social media that Machchhar’s recovery was progressing well.
“The Embassy is closely coordinating with relevant local authorities to ensure he continues to receive medical care and safeguard his health,” the Indian Embassy stated.
Indian Prime Minister Modi praised Machchhar’s bravery, stating, “Machchhar showed the utmost courage to the world.”
“Machchhar bravely fought off and prevented another attack similar to ‘9/11’,” Modi said.
Netanyahu mentioned on Thursday that the copilot might have obtained the weapon used in the act through two possible means. He explained that passengers are required to pass through metal detectors before boarding, but copilots may not undergo the same level of scrutiny every time.
“As a result, he may have carried knives or an axe with him,” Netanyahu said.
Alternatively, the copilot could have used an axe already present on the plane.
“He may have taken the axe from the equipment typically provided on the aircraft,” Netanyahu said. “We are investigating the matter, and as of now, we cannot draw a definite conclusion.”