World · India Bureau
NIA seeks approval for UAE visit in flydubai crash investigation
India's National Investigation Agency is moving to obtain clearance from the Centre to travel to the United Arab Emirates to record statements from the pilot involved in the flydubai incident. The agency is also seeking access to question an arrested Omani co-pilot as part of its ongoing probe.
LSN India ·
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is preparing to seek authorization from the Union government to conduct an overseas trip to the UAE, where it intends to record a statement from Captain Smit Machchhar in connection with the flydubai investigation, officials familiar with the matter said on Thursday.
The agency's plan includes attempting to secure access to Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national serving as co-pilot, who is currently under arrest. Questioning the co-pilot is considered crucial to the investigation's progress, according to officials briefed on the probe's status.
The NIA typically requires formal approval from the Centre before undertaking investigative missions outside Indian territory. The approval process involves coordination between multiple government departments to ensure compliance with international protocols and bilateral agreements.
The flydubai incident has drawn significant investigative attention, with the NIA's involvement suggesting potential connections to matters of national security or related concerns that fall within the agency's mandate. The statements and testimony from key personnel involved in the incident are expected to provide critical insights for the investigation.
Details regarding the timeline for the agency's application and the anticipated approval process remain unclear. The investigation's scope and findings may have broader implications for aviation safety protocols in the region.