Oman co-pilot transferred to UAE after alleged flydubai cockpit assault

Saudi Arabia has transferred an Omani co-pilot to the United Arab Emirates after an alleged assault on the captain of a flydubai flight, as the investigation into the cockpit confrontation expands. Flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, made an emergency landing in the Saudi city of Tabuk on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry said a preliminary investigation indicated that the co-pilot had attacked the captain during the flight.

Both pilots were treated in hospital for injuries and received medical clearance before leaving for Abu Dhabi on Thursday morning, according to the ministry. Saudi authorities detained the co-pilot after the landing and questioned him before handing him to UAE officials. The UAE has opened its own investigation.

Its judicial authorities will examine the circumstances of the confrontation and determine what led to the emergency landing. Investigators are also examining what happened inside the cockpit and whether the co-pilot attempted to take control of the aircraft or deliberately tried to crash it. The flight landed safely in Tabuk after the incident.

The investigation was conducted initially in coordination with UAE security teams, Saudi authorities said. The UAE Foreign Ministry said it was closely following the case and that its judicial authorities would handle the inquiry. The Indian mission in the UAE said Indian Ambassador Deepak Mittal visited Captain Smit Machchhar and his family at hospital.

In a social media post, the mission said the captain was in good health and recovering well, adding that it remained in contact with local authorities over his medical care. The source material does not provide details of any charges against the co-pilot, the motive for the alleged assault or the number of passengers aboard the aircraft. Those issues are expected to form part of the UAE investigation.