UAE investigates alleged FlyDubai plot against Ben Gurion

The United Arab Emirates is investigating an attack by a FlyDubai co-pilot on the captain of a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight after officials said the suspect intended to crash the aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport. The plane diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely after passengers and crew intervened and other pilots took control. The UAE attorney general said the co-pilot struck captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe and tried to seize control of the aircraft, describing the attack as an attempted terrorist act. Reports say passengers and crew members subdued the suspect, allowing other pilots aboard to take control and divert the flight. The aircraft was carrying more than 180 people, according to one account. Israeli and U.S. officials, along with others familiar with the investigation, have said the co-pilot planned to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport. The alleged plan has not been established in publicly released investigative findings. The UAE is leading the inquiry, which is examining the suspect’s motives, preparations and whether anyone else was involved.