US Vice-President JD Vance said on Monday that he had not yet seen conclusive evidence proving an Iranian role in the security incident aboard a flydubai aircraft, as Emirati authorities continued investigating the circumstances, motives and possible links related to the incident.
Speaking to reporters before departing on a flight to Alaska, Vance said the question of possible Iranian involvement fell within the remit of CIA Director John Ratcliffe and intelligence officials. He added that he did not want to pre-empt any official announcements, saying US authorities were examining the matter, but that he had not yet seen what could be described as conclusive evidence.
flydubai flight diverted and lands in Tabuk
flydubai said an altercation had taken place in the cockpit and that company crew members who were on board intervened to regain control of the aircraft. The company added that the crew changed the flight's route and landed safely in Tabuk, saying it was co-operating with the relevant authorities in the investigation.
Emirati investigation identifies cockpit attack
UAE Attorney-General Counsellor Hamad Saif Al Shamsi announced on 3 October that the preliminary investigation findings showed the co-pilot had begun what he described as an attempted act of terrorism. According to the attorney-general, the co-pilot attacked the captain inside the cockpit using an emergency axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft's flight controls.
Al Shamsi said investigations were continuing to establish the full circumstances and motives of the incident and any possible links to it, alongside the completion of technical examinations and analysis of physical and digital evidence. He said the final findings would be announced after the necessary legal and investigative procedures had concluded.
The attorney-general had ordered the formation of a team of specialised public prosecutors to investigate the incident, in co-ordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority and relevant UAE authorities. The investigation includes checking for any prior planning or direction and determining whether the incident was connected to any terrorist activity or purpose.
UAE praises crew and passengers for intervention
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority praised the bravery of the Indian captain, Machar Smit, and the swift response of the crew and passengers who helped contain the situation. It said their rapid intervention prevented more serious consequences, confirming that the captain had returned to the UAE in good condition and was receiving the necessary medical care.
US President Donald Trump had earlier raised the possibility of an Iranian link to the incident, warning of a US response if Tehran's involvement was confirmed. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, meanwhile, rejected the allegations against his country, describing them as based on fabricated evidence.
Emirati authorities are continuing to investigate the evidence and possible links, and have not yet announced final findings determining the co-pilot's motives or proving that the incident was connected to Iran or any other party.
