Passenger Alleges Crew Attempted to Aid Attacker on Flydubai Flight
Claims arise from a passenger that cabin crew tried to assist the co-pilot who attacked Captain Smit Machchhar.
Passenger Rajuan alleges crew attempted to loosen the attacker's restraints.
Two Maldivian pilots have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia after the attack on the captain.
A passenger on the Flydubai flight, where Indian captain Smit Machchhar was assaulted by his co-pilot, has made serious allegations against the cabin crew. Rajuan, who spoke to The Jerusalem Post, claimed that crew members attempted to loosen the restraints of the accused attacker, Hammam al-Hammami, and even tried to administer an unidentified pill to the injured pilot. This incident raises significant concerns about the crew's conduct during the emergency.
Rajuan's account details a chaotic scene onboard the flight, which was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv. He reported confrontations with cabin attendants who allegedly tried to prevent passengers from recording the incident. One crew member reportedly questioned Rajuan about his status, suggesting an unusual level of engagement with the passengers. This behavior, combined with attempts to interfere with the attacker's restraints, has led Rajuan to suspect that some crew members may have aided the assailant.
The situation escalated when al-Hammami attacked Captain Machchhar with an axe, prompting a swift response from the passengers and crew. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing others to intervene. The flight, carrying 174 individuals, was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, for an emergency landing. The incident has raised alarms about security protocols on flights.
In the aftermath, two Maldivian pilots working for Flydubai were arrested by UAE authorities, although the specifics of their alleged involvement remain undisclosed. Reports indicate that their families were informed through the Maldivian Embassy in the UAE, highlighting the international implications of this case. The investigation is ongoing, with the UAE authorities looking into the broader conspiracy surrounding the attack.
As investigations continue, the UAE's National Investigation Agency has also registered a case under the Anti-Hijacking Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The implications of this incident could lead to significant changes in airline security measures and protocols, as authorities seek to ensure the safety of passengers and crew on future flights.
