India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated a probe into the alleged attack on Indian Captain Smit Machchhar aboard a Flydubai flight. Acting on directives from the central government, the NIA registered a case on October 10, invoking provisions of the Anti-Hijacking Act, 2016, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA).
Details of the Alleged Attack
The incident occurred on September 30, 2026, during Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers and six crew members. Captain Machchhar, an Indian national, was reportedly stabbed by his Omani first officer while the aircraft was flying near the Jordan-Saudi Arabia border.
According to government information, the co-pilot allegedly attempted to seize control of the aircraft, with prosecutors in the United Arab Emirates describing the event as an alleged terrorist plot. Captain Machchhar sustained deep cuts to his head and hands during the altercation.
Mid-Air Intervention and Diversion
Following the alleged assault, passengers and other crew members bravely intervened, managing to overpower and restrain the co-pilot. Other Flydubai pilots, who happened to be on board as passengers, swiftly took command of the aircraft and diverted it towards Saudi Arabia.
The plane made a safe emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, northwestern Saudi Arabia, at approximately 10:45 am Gulf Standard Time. Saudi authorities subsequently arrested the accused co-pilot.
International Investigation into Terror Plot
The incident has triggered extensive investigations across multiple nations. UAE authorities are leading the primary probe, with the UAE attorney general stating on October 9 that investigators believe the co-pilot intended to crash the plane into the passenger terminal at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport. The investigation is also examining the co-pilot's alleged preparations and potential extremist motivations.
The NIA's involvement will focus on examining the circumstances surrounding the attack on Captain Machchhar and the alleged attempt to hijack the passenger aircraft within India's national security framework, given the invocation of anti-hijacking and anti-terror laws.