Flydubai Flight FZ1073 diverted after co‑pilot attempted attack
Written by AI from 22 reports listed below. Not checked by a person before publication. How we use AI
A co‑pilot on flydubai Flight FZ1073 tried to seize the aircraft and crash it into Ben Gurion Airport’s passenger terminal; passengers and crew overpowered him and the plane landed safely in Tabuk.
Attempted suicide attack
Prosecutors said the plot was inspired by the September 11 attacks and that two earlier flights to Tel Aviv had been used to study the route and airport.
According to the investigation, the co‑pilot assaulted captain Smit Machchhar with an emergency axe while the aircraft was over Saudi Arabia. The captain opened the cockpit door, allowing other pilots, cabin crew and passengers to intervene and restrain the suspect.
Flight details and diversion
Flight FZ1073 departed Dubai at 07:05 a.m. Gulf Standard Time on 30 September, bound for Tel Aviv. After the struggle, the reserve pilot regained control and the aircraft landed at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, north‑western Saudi Arabia, at about 10:45 a.m. GST.
Saudi authorities arrested the co‑pilot following the landing.
Legal actions
India’s National Investigation Agency registered a case under the Anti‑Hijacking Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act after the central government cited the incident’s national and international ramifications. The case was opened under India’s Anti‑Hijacking Act and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
What's still unclear
Sources differ on the number of people on board: one source reports 174 passengers and six crew members, while another mentions 182 souls aboard.
Analysed 8 reports from 8 sources
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