World · India Bureau
Saudi Arabia Extradites Omani Co-Pilot After Attack on Indian Captain
An Omani co-pilot was transferred to UAE custody by Saudi authorities after attacking an Indian captain aboard a Dubai-bound aircraft, forcing an emergency landing in the Saudi city of Tabuk.
LSN India ·
A FlyDubai flight operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia following an altercation in the cockpit between an Omani co-pilot and Captain Smit Machar, an Indian national.
The incident occurred aboard flight FZ1073 when the two crew members engaged in a confrontation that escalated to physical violence. According to preliminary findings from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior, the co-pilot initiated the assault on the captain, prompting the flight crew to declare an emergency and land the aircraft at Tabuk International Airport.
Saudi security personnel took the co-pilot into custody at the airport and conducted initial questioning. Following the investigation, the authorities transferred the suspect to United Arab Emirates officials for further proceedings and potential prosecution.
The aircraft was carrying passengers bound for Tel Aviv when the incident occurred. Flight FZ1073 subsequently resumed operations after the co-pilot was removed from the cockpit. Authorities did not release additional details regarding the nature of the dispute or the extent of injuries sustained during the altercation.