- UAE orders probe into flydubai incident, examining terror link.
- Pilot Smit Machchhar stable and recovering after mid-air attack.
- Israel alleges attack aimed to sabotage Abraham Accords.
A day after a mid-air scare on a flydubai flight, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday ordered an investigation into the incident, saying it would also examine a 'terror' link. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stated that a formation of a team comprising specialised members of the Public Prosecution has been formed to investigate the circumstances and causes of the incident.
As the exact cause of the clash and the motive behind the attack remain unclear, here is what has happened so far in the case.
Act to sabotage Abraham Accord
Israeli government has asserted that it was a foiled terror attack aimed at hurting Israeli nationals, sabotaging the Abraham Accord by sparking animosity between Israel and the UAE.
Israeli minister Gideon Sa'ar, in an interview with NDTCV, said that the main motive behind the "jihadist terror attack" was to derail Israel-UAE ties and the Abraham Accords.
He added that Israel will push for the co-pilot's extradition from the UAE. The pilot was handed over to the UAE by Saudi Arabia after an initial probe.
Omani co-pilot showed extremely religious behaviour
Speaking to Fox News, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu stressed the co-pilot had undergone Islamist radicalisation.
"We know that he underwent Islamist radical indoctrination," he said. He added that this came from the man's "personal information", but gave no further details. "That appears to be something we're gathering from his personal information," he said.
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He added that the co-pilot yelled 'Kill me, kill me ' after he was pinned down, calling it suicidal. A report citing a fellow pilot of the accused pilot suggested that he was a 'religious extremist'. "He prayed excessively throughout the day and refused to shake hands with women," the colleague was quoted by an Israeli media outlet.
First visuals of Machchhar, Omani co-pilot surface
The first visuals of both Smit and his co-pilot from after the attack surfaced on Thursday. The accused pilot could be seen pinned down on the cabin floor outside the cockpit. His uniform has blood stains, while Smit could be seen lying down nearby with an oxygen mask on.
Smit too seemed drenched in blood In the video, a passenger could be heard urging him not to sleep. Another visual of Smit shows him heavily bandaged on the abdomen and chest.
Smit Machchhar in good health
Indian Ambassador to UAE Deepak Mittal said on Thursday visited Smit and his family at a hospital. The Indian envoy provided a health update on Smit, saying that he was recovering well.
In a post on X, the Indian embassy said, "Captain Machchhar is in good health and recovering well." "The Embassy remains in close coordination with local authorities to ensure his continued medical care and well-being," the Indian mission in the UAE added.
Israeli airlines plan to resume flights to UAE
The three largest Israeli airlines on Thursday said that they are planning to resume flights to Dubai, which were shut in the wake of the Iran war in February this year.
Israeli airlines El Al, Israir and Arkia have sought permission from security authorities to resume flights to Dubai as 7.5 per cent of the total passengers travelling through Ben Gurion International Airport flew to the UAE over the first eight months of 2026, half of them on flydubai.
Co-pilot to be handed over to UAE
The Omani co-pilot is currently in the custody in Saudi Arabia. After the completion of the initial probe in the country, he will be handed over to the UAE, which has launched a detailed investigation into the incident.
Smit likely attacked with an axe
Initial reports had suggested that the accused pilot had stabbed his fellow pilot using a knife, which was considered to be from the flight cutlery. However, fresh reports suggest that the investigation has revealed the use of a 'crash axe' or a fire axe, kept inside the cockpit.
ALSO READ: 'In Good Health, Recovering Well': Indian Envoy To UAE Meets Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar
flydubai suspends flight to and from Israel
flydubai announced that until the investigation continues, it will keep the flight operations to and from Israel suspended. In a statement, the airline said that the temporary suspension will allow the relevant authorities to continue their work and establish all the facts surrounding the incident.
Worldwide praises for Smit Machchhar
PM Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, US President Donald Trump, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Foreign Ministry, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and passengers of FZ107 praised Smit for the heroics he showed to save 174 passengers along with the crew.