The UAE has opened a formal investigation into the flydubai FZ1073 incident after the Tel Aviv-bound flight diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The UAE has launched a formal investigation into a security incident aboard a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv after the aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely following an incident in the cockpit.
UAE Attorney-General Counsellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has ordered the formation of a specialised investigation team from the Public Prosecution to examine the incident involving flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport on Wednesday.
The Boeing 737 was diverted to Tabuk Airport in north-western Saudi Arabia after an altercation occurred in the flight deck. Crew members travelling on board intervened and helped secure the aircraft, allowing it to make a safe emergency landing.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is coordinating with the Public Prosecution and other relevant authorities as investigators work to establish what happened on board and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Al Shamsi has directed investigators to gather evidence, establish the facts and determine the circumstances and motives behind the incident. They will also examine whether it was connected to any terrorist activity or purpose, or whether it involved prior planning or direction.
The Attorney-General urged the public not to speculate or circulate unverified information while the investigation is under way, stressing the need to rely on statements issued by competent authorities.
The UAE says its judicial authorities have jurisdiction over the case because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and operates under the UAE flag. Under the legislation cited by the authorities, UAE law applies to crimes committed on board such an aircraft even when they occur outside the country’s territory.
The incident occurred as the flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Flydubai confirmed that an altercation had taken place in the flight deck but said the reasons and motives remained unknown and were subject to a formal investigation. The airline said the situation was brought under control after crew members intervened.
The aircraft issued emergency signals and made a sharp descent before being diverted to Tabuk, according to flight-tracking data reported by The National. The captain and co-pilot were injured and taken to hospital in Saudi Arabia, while passengers were subsequently transferred to a replacement aircraft for their onward journey to Israel.
Israeli officials have provided additional accounts of the incident, including claims that one pilot attacked the other and that there had been an attempt to interfere with control of the aircraft. However, the UAE investigation is continuing and authorities have urged against drawing conclusions before the facts have been established.
Sheikh Abdullah speaks to Israeli foreign minister
The incident also featured in a telephone conversation between UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
The two ministers discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen ties, as well as wider developments in the region.
During the call, Sheikh Abdullah asked about the safety of passengers aboard the flydubai flight and expressed his wishes for their continued health and well-being. He also conveyed his greetings to the passengers’ families, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
The diplomatic contact came as authorities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel continued to deal with the aftermath of the incident and investigate what happened during the flight.
The UAE authorities have not announced a final finding on the cause or motive behind the incident. The investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the cockpit altercation and whether there was any evidence of advance planning or a wider security connection.
