UAE probes whether Flydubai cockpit altercation involved planning or terrorism
The inquiry into flight FZ1073 will examine the incident’s circumstances and motives. No motive or terrorist link has been established.
The United Arab Emirates’ chief prosecutor has formed a team of public prosecutors to investigate a reported midair altercation between two pilots on Flydubai flight FZ1073. The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday when it was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.
Emirati state news agency WAM reported that investigators will examine the incident’s circumstances and motives, including whether it involved terrorist activity or intent, or prior planning or direction. The inquiry has not established a motive or any terrorist link.
Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and flies under its flag. He said UAE law applies to crimes committed on board, even outside the country’s territory.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the UAE president had agreed that Israel would join the suspect’s interrogation. The supplied report gives no details on the arrangements.
Netanyahu credited the captain, Indian national Smit Machchhar, and passengers with averting a catastrophe. He said the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and tried to crash the aircraft; these remain allegations as the investigation proceeds.
Flydubai has suspended flights to and from Israel. The aircraft was carrying 174 people, including passengers from Israel, India and the UAE; the US State Department said four passengers were US citizens.
