NIA to probe alleged stabbing of Indian Captain Smit Machchhar on Dubai flight

The Centre has directed the NIA to investigate an alleged mid-air attack on Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar aboard flyDubai Flight 1073, amid suspicions of an attempted hijack or crash.

New Delhi: The Central Government has directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to register a case and investigate an alleged attack on Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar aboard a flyDubai flight. The incident reportedly involved a sharp dive and a sudden turn back towards Saudi airspace following an altercation inside the cockpit.

According to information cited in the government order, flyDubai Flight 1073 departed from Dubai on September 30 at 7:05 am Gulf Standard Time (GST). The aircraft was piloted by Indian national Captain Smit Machchhar, with an Omani first officer, and was carrying 174 passengers and six crew members.

While flying near the Jordan-Saudi Arabia border, the aircraft reportedly made a rapid dive before turning back towards Saudi airspace. The government said the incident........

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