Investigators are probing why an Omani copilot stabbed the Indian captain of a FlyDubai flight to Israel, sending it into a dangerous descent before passengers and crew helped land it in Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
The Boeing 737 Max 8 was carrying 174 people, mostly Israelis, from the UAE to Tel Aviv. Passengers said the wounded captain opened the cockpit door before they restrained the copilot and helped stabilize the aircraft after it plunged from 33,000 to 17,000 feet in about a minute, tearing away its rudder. It later landed in Tabuk after an erratic flight near Jordan.
The UN and officials said the Omani suspect was arrested. Saudi Arabia, Israel, UAE, US and Oman are investigating motives, including terrorism and mental disorders. Israel requested his transfer to Israel. Netanyahu alleged Islamist indoctrination but gave no evidence; he said Iranian involvement was too early to assess. Trump speculated about terrorism. Oman has not commented.
The UAE said it was investigating under its jurisdiction. Netanyahu said Israel received no warning. Four passengers were US citizens. FlyDubai suspended Israel flights, while Israel plans to repatriate stranded passengers.
Captain Smit Machchhar was stable. His flight school called the landing miraculous.