UAE Orders Probe Into Flydubai Flight After Cockpit Incident

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Attorney-General, Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, has ordered an investigation into an incident involving a Flydubai flight that was diverted while travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

The state news agency, WAM, reported on Thursday that Al Shamsi had directed a team of specialised public prosecutors to investigate the incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the aircraft, which departed Dubai for Tel Aviv on Wednesday, was diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

The order followed a statement by Flydubai confirming that an altercation occurred in the cockpit during the flight and that crew members intervened to secure the aircraft.

WAM said the investigation team had commenced work in coordination with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant authorities.

According to the agency, investigators would also determine whether the incident was linked to terrorist activity or intent, or whether it involved prior planning or direction.

WAM added that UAE judicial authorities had jurisdiction over the matter because the aircraft was registered in the UAE and operated under the UAE flag.

It noted that UAE law applied to crimes committed on board the aircraft, regardless of whether they occurred within or outside the country’s territory.