The investigation into the flydubai cockpit attack that forced a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia has shifted towards determining the identity, motive and possible links of the co-pilot accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar. The UAE has opened an investigation into the incident, while the co-pilot, identified by Israeli officials as an Omani national, has been handed over to UAE authorities. His name has not been publicly released.

The incident occurred on flydubai flight FZ1073 on Wednesday, when the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit, causing the aircraft to plunge nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Passengers and crew intervened during the confrontation, and the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, where it landed safely. Saudi Arabia subsequently conducted a preliminary investigation before handing the co-pilot over to the UAE.

Investigators are now expected to establish what prompted the attack, whether the co-pilot acted alone or as part of a wider plan, what weapon or sharp object was used and how it was brought on board. The UAE investigation will also examine whether the incident involved terrorist activity, prior planning or direction. The co-pilot’s identity and motive have not been officially established publicly, leaving several key questions unresolved.

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The co-pilot has been described by Israeli officials as an Omani national, but Oman, UAE authorities and flydubai had not publicly confirmed his nationality in the material available at the time of the report. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot had undergone what he described as religious radicalisation in recent months. Such claims remain part of the wider investigation and have not established the motive for the attack.

The incident has also generated speculation over a possible connection to Iran. US President Donald Trump has publicly raised the possibility of Iranian involvement, while Netanyahu has said an investigation is needed to determine whether Tehran had any role. However, the available reporting indicates that the motive and any possible external involvement remain under investigation rather than established facts.

Indian officials who met Machchhar after he was airlifted from Saudi Arabia to the UAE were reportedly asked not to enquire about the incident, according to sources cited by Hindustan Times. Machchhar remains under medical care after suffering injuries in the cockpit confrontation. With the UAE investigation now underway, authorities are expected to examine the sequence of events, the co-pilot’s background and the circumstances surrounding the attack before determining whether it was an isolated act or part of a broader plan.

Also Read: Indian Flydubai Pilot Identified After Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight Incident