UAE opens inquiry into alleged flydubai cockpit attack
The investigation will examine possible terrorist intent, planning and whether others were involved. The suspect’s motive has not been made public.
The United Arab Emirates’ chief prosecutor has ordered an investigation into an alleged attempt to hijack a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv. The inquiry will examine whether the incident involved terrorist activity or intent, and whether it was planned or involved other people.
The UAE says it has jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered there and UAE law applies to crimes committed aboard it, including outside the country’s territory.
The flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after the captain was stabbed. Passenger accounts in the supplied report say passengers intervened in the cockpit and subdued the copilot.
The reported attempt to crash the aircraft remains an allegation under investigation. The suspect’s identity and motive have not been made public, and possible Iranian involvement has not been determined.
The investigation is being led by UAE authorities, while Israeli officials have described the incident as a thwarted terror attack.
