Saudi Arabia initiates safety investigation into flydubai jet after cockpit stabbing
Saudi Arabia has opened an air safety probe into the flydubai Boeing 737 MAX that was attacked by a co-pilot while in its airspace.
Saudi Arabia’s National Transport Safety Center has formally commenced a safety investigation into flydubai flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX that was assaulted by its co-pilot with an axe while traversing Saudi airspace on September 30. The inquiry follows international aviation protocols and will involve foreign specialist agencies, including the US National Transportation Safety Board, given the aircraft’s American manufacture.
A parallel criminal investigation is already under way in the United Arab Emirates, which has described the incident as a terrorist attack. The airline is based in Dubai and the jet is registered there, automatically bringing the UAE into the safety inquiry. Israel, whose nationals made up nearly all of the 172 people on board, has expressed willingness to participate but has not yet received an invitation. Experts note that longstanding global cooperation on accident prevention can operate even without diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Why it matters
The probe tests international aviation safety cooperation despite political tensions and could shape future protocols.
How this story developed
- Sep 30 Netanyahu hails Indian pilot who thwarted alleged flydubai sabotage
- Oct 2 The suspect was transferred to United Arab Emirates authorities.
- Oct 2 President Trump said investigators are working to determine whether Iran is linked to the co‑pilot.
- Oct 2 A UAE official called the mid-air incident on flydubai flight FZ1073 a terrorist act and praised Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for safely landing the aircraft after a co-pilot attack.
- Oct 2 Modi praised Machchhar for averting disaster.
- Oct 2 Israeli carriers have formally requested clearance to restart Dubai routes.
- Oct 3 Co‑pilot identified as Hamam al Hamami, an Omani national previously barred by Oman over extremist concerns.
- Oct 3 UAE prosecutors have classified the March incident on Flydubai flight between Dubai and Tel Aviv as a terrorist attack after a co-pilot used an emergency axe against the pilot.
- Oct 3 The weapon used in the attack was identified as a small axe.
- Oct 3 The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
- Oct 3 Specialised investigators are analysing physical and digital evidence to determine the co‑pilot's motives and identify any potential ties to external extremist organisations.
- Oct 5 Al‑Hammami was transferred to UAE authorities for interrogation.
- Oct 6 President Trump warned of harsh retaliation against Iran if involvement is proven.
- Oct 6 Interrogations revealed the co‑pilot said his motive was revenge for Gaza and that he had earlier been prohibited from flying due to extremist concerns.
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