The United Arab Emirates has launched an investigation into whether a cockpit altercation aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was linked to “terrorist activity” or involved prior planning or direction.
The country’s foreign ministry said on Thursday that Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi had formed a team of specialised public prosecutors to investigate the incident and establish its circumstances and causes.
The probe follows flydubai's announcement that an altercation occurred in the cockpit during flight FZ1073, requiring crew members to intervene and secure the aircraft.
The investigation will examine all circumstances and motives, “including any possible connection to terrorist activity or intent, and whether it involved prior planning or direction”, the ministry said.
UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and flies under its flag, state news agency WAM reported. UAE law therefore applies to crimes committed aboard the aircraft even outside the country's territory, it said.
Emergency landing in Saudi Arabia
Flight FZ1073, carrying 174 passengers, made an emergency landing on Wednesday at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in the Saudi city of Tabuk after the cockpit incident was reported.
Flydubai said crew members secured the plane and diverted it safely to Saudi Arabia. Airport officials said the captain and first officer were injured and taken to hospital, while all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for.
Saudi Arabia's National Transport Safety Center said its investigation team had begun work and was coordinating with authorities to establish the circumstances, assess aviation safety aspects and collect evidence.
The UAE foreign ministry thanked Saudi authorities for their cooperation and handling of the incident.
Passengers later departed Tabuk aboard an alternative aircraft provided by flydubai.
