The 150 Israelis who were aboard Flydubai flight 1073, which was hijacked by its copilot before passengers were able to regain control of the plane yesterday, have safely returned home. The Times of Israel reports that the copilot is being questioned by Saudi authorities before he is sent to the UAE.
UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction over the incident because the aircraft is registered in the country and flies under its flag, the statement said, adding that Emirati law applies to crimes committed on board even if they occur outside the country’s territory.
A regional official briefed on the investigation said the suspect, an Omani citizen, was under arrest, and confirmed that Saudi authorities were working with countries, including Israel, to try to determine a motive. He said the UAE, the United States and Oman were also involved. The official did not describe the extent of Israeli involvement.
“All possible scenarios, from terrorism to mental disorders, are being looked into. Nothing is ruled out for now,” said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the probe.
Israeli intelligence officials are in Saudi Arabia to join the initial investigation. The pilot stabbed by his copilot has been identified as Captain Smit Machchhar. He was praised by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for helping save lives aboard the plane. After being stabbed, Machchhar was able to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to regain control. The two off-duty pilots aboard the flight would not have been able to reach the controls without him. Machchhar is currently receiving medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.
President Isaac Herzog also announced that he will recommend five Israelis aboard the flight for the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for their roles in saving and protecting lives. Yaniv Hayun, Asaf Rajuan, and Tzvika Manes overpowered the copilot, while Dr. Shota Musayev provided immediate medical attention to Machchhar after the stabbing. Manes’ wife, Tali, was the first to raise the alarm about the situation in the cockpit.
In response to the incident, the UAE has suspended all Flydubai flights directly to and from Tel Aviv. Shin Bet officials have traveled to Dubai to assist with repatriation flights for Israelis returning home.
The Fellowship and our supporters pray for Captain Machchhar’s recovery, and praise God for the Israelis whose heroism narrowly averted what could have been a catastrophe.