‘Whoever  sent him will pay’: Netanyahu issues warning over Flydubai attack

TEL AVIV: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that whoever sent the attacker involved in the incident aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv would pay a heavy price. Netanyahu made the remarks as Israeli authorities continued investigating the attack. He said investigators were examining whether there was any external involvement in the alleged attempt by the co-pilot to attack Indian pilot Smit Machchhar and bring down the aircraft.

Netanyahu said the picture was becoming clearer as the investigation progressed, and claimed that the attacker had been exposed to Islamist radicalisation. He said the attacker’s intention was to crash the aircraft with all its passengers on board. “We are investigating whether someone sent him. Whoever sent him will pay a heavy price,” Netanyahu said.

The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people on board. The co-pilot allegedly stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar, after which the aircraft plunged sharply. Despite being injured, Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to enter and overpower the attacker. Two reserve Flydubai pilots travelling on the aircraft then took control and landed it safely at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.