The National Investigation Agency has taken over the probe into the mid-air cockpit attack on Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar aboard a Flydubai flight en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The counter-terror agency registered a case on October 9 under the Anti-Hijacking Act, 2016, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, following the September 30 incident. According to the First Information Report, the aircraft’s Omani co-pilot repeatedly stabbed Captain Machchhar inside the cockpit, leaving him seriously injured. Investigators suspect the assault may have been an attempt to hijack the aircraft or deliberately crash it, though the precise motive remains subject to investigation.
Mid-Air Struggle and Emergency Landing in Saudi Arabia
Despite sustaining serious injuries during the assault, Captain Machchhar managed to stay alert and swiftly unlocked the cockpit door. His action allowed people on board to enter, intervene, and overpower the attacker, averting a severe threat to the aircraft and the passengers. Following the struggle, flight FZ1073 was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it made a safe landing. Captain Machchhar received urgent medical treatment in Tabuk before being transferred to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates for specialized care.
Broad Investigation Into Hijacking and Conspiracy Angles
The NIA’s inquiry will examine whether the cockpit assault formed part of an attempted hijacking, posed a wider threat to passengers, or involved a broader conspiracy. Investigators are working to reconstruct the sequence of events, establish how the attack was carried out, and assess whether the co-pilot acted with premeditation. While the underlying motive has not yet been established, federal investigators aim to confirm whether there was a deliberate design to seize control of the aircraft or bring it down. The incident has raised serious questions regarding flight-deck security, crew safety, and emergency response protocols during airborne operations.
International Praise for Pilot as Recovery Continues
Captain Machchhar underwent surgery after the attack and continues to receive medical attention in Abu Dhabi. While the Ministry of External Affairs previously indicated that his condition was improving, detailed updates on his health status have not been released. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the injured pilot by telephone to commend his courage and presence of mind. Captain Machchhar’s prompt response also drew praise from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alongside senior officials across India, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates, as the NIA proceeds with its evidence-gathering process.
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