NEW DELHI: The UAE has ordered a probe into the Flydubai mid-air incident involving an alleged attempt by an Omani co-pilot to crash a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, with investigators set to examine all circumstances and motives, including any possible links to terrorist activity, prior planning or direction.The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said Attorney-General Counsellor Dr Hamad Al Shamsi had ordered the formation of a specialised Public Prosecution team to investigate the circumstances and causes of the incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073.The flight, which departed from Dubai International Airport for Tel Aviv, was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after an altercation reportedly broke out in the cockpit. Flydubai had said its crew members travelling onboard intervened and secured the aircraft.“The ministry noted that the investigation includes examining all circumstances and motives surrounding the incident, including any possible connection to terrorist activity or intent, and whether it involved prior planning or direction,” the statement said.The ministry said UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction to investigate the incident under applicable laws as the aircraft is registered in the UAE and operates under its flag. UAE law, it added, applies to crimes committed onboard the aircraft, including those occurring outside the country’s territory.The UAE also thanked Saudi authorities for their cooperation and handling of the incident, while urging people to rely on official statements and avoid circulating speculation or unverified information until the investigation is completed.Meanwhile, according to The Times of Israel, Saudi Arabia will conduct the initial investigation into the Omani pilot accused of attempting to crash the flight before handing him over to the UAE for further investigation.An Israeli official told the publication that Israel expects more significant findings to emerge from the Emirati investigation after the Saudi probe is completed.The incident involved Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when it was diverted to Tabuk following an alleged attack on the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, by his co-pilot.Machchhar was injured in the incident but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene. Three Israeli passengers reportedly helped subdue the attacker, while two additional pilots onboard took control of the aircraft and landed it safely in Saudi Arabia.
