The United Arab Emirates has ordered a criminal investigation into a cockpit incident on a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv. The probe will examine “any possible connection to terrorist activity or intent, and whether it involved prior planning or direction,” the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said on Thursday.
The UAE Attorney-General, Counsellor Dr. Hamad Al Shamsi, has directed the formation of a team of specialised Public Prosecution members to look into the matter. In its statement, MoFA said the investigation covers “all circumstances and motives surrounding the incident.”
The UAE said it has jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered in the country. “UAE law applies to crimes committed on board the aircraft, even when they occur outside UAE territory,” the Ministry said. It also thanked Saudi authorities for their cooperation and handling of the incident.
Flight FZ1073 was flying from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv on September 30 when it was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. Flydubai said an altercation occurred in the flight deck and that on-duty crew travelling on the flight secured the aircraft, which landed safely. The airline said all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for.
Tabuk Airport said both the captain and the co-pilot were injured and taken to hospital. Flight data showed the aircraft first squawked 7500, the transponder code for unlawful interference, before switching to 7700, the general emergency code. Reports also said the plane lost more than 14,000 feet of altitude in 29 seconds.
Differing accounts
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said one pilot stabbed the other and apparently tried to crash the aircraft, according to the Associated Press. Flydubai, however, said the reasons and motives remain unknown and are subject to a formal investigation. NPR reported that the incident is being investigated as a possible terrorist attack, and that the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, fought back after being stabbed.
Flydubai sent two replacement aircraft to Tabuk for the passengers and crew and has suspended flights to and from Israel while the investigation continues.
MoFA urged the public to rely on information from official sources. “Avoid the circulation of speculation or unverified information until the investigation is completed and its findings are announced,” the statement said.
