NEW DELHI: A UAE official has described the mid-air incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073 as a “terrorist act” while praising Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for his role in ensuring the aircraft landed safely, news agency AFP reported on Friday.The incident involved an alleged attack on Machchhar by his co-pilot. Machchhar was injured but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene.Three Israeli passengers reportedly helped subdue the attacker, while two additional pilots onboard took control of the aircraft and landed it safely in Saudi Arabia.This comes a day after UAE ordered a specialised investigation into the incident, involving an alleged attempt by an Omani co-pilot to crash the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. The probe will examine the circumstances and motives, including any possible links to terrorist activity, prior planning or direction.The flight departed from Dubai International Airport for Tel Aviv but was diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after an altercation reportedly broke out in the cockpit. flydubai said crew members onboard intervened and secured the aircraft.“The ministry noted that the investigation includes examining all circumstances and motives surrounding the incident, including any possible connection to terrorist activity or intent, and whether it involved prior planning or direction,” the statement said.The UAE said its judicial authorities have jurisdiction over the investigation as the aircraft is registered in the UAE and operates under its flag. UAE law applies to crimes committed onboard the aircraft, including those occurring outside the country’s territory, it said.According to The Times of Israel, Saudi Arabia will conduct the initial investigation into the Omani co-pilot accused of attempting to crash the flight before handing him over to the UAE for further investigation.
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