UAE Investigates Possible Terror Link in Flydubai Flight Incident

The United Arab Emirates has launched an investigation into a cockpit altercation aboard a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, after the aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has formed a team of public prosecutors to investigate the incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073, according to the UAE state news agency WAM.

The flight was travelling from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv on Wednesday when it was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.

Investigators will examine the circumstances and motives behind the incident and determine whether it was connected to any “terrorist activity or intent”, including whether the incident was planned or directed in advance.

Al Shamsi said UAE authorities have jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and operates under its flag. He added that UAE law applies to crimes committed aboard the aircraft even when they occur outside the country.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had spoken with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who agreed that Israel would participate in questioning the suspect.

Netanyahu previously praised Indian pilot Smit Machchhar and passengers for preventing what he described as a potential catastrophe. According to Israeli authorities, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft.

The plane was carrying 174 people. Passengers said the injured captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and restrain the co-pilot while the aircraft was descending sharply.

Israel's Foreign Ministry said passengers included citizens of Israel, India and the UAE, while the US State Department confirmed that four passengers were US citizens.

Following the incident, Flydubai announced that its flights to and from Israel would be suspended.

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