United Arab Emirates on Thursday ordered a probe into the stabbing incident and potential crash attempt inside the flydubai flight travelling from from Dubai to Tel Aviv, while stating that it would also examine any “terror” link.
The life-threatening emergency was brought under control after the Indian pilot, Smit Machchhar, unlocked the cockpit door, and passengers restrained his co-pilot. One from the second set of pilots aboard took control of the plane, which landed safely in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk. “In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) stated that Counsellor Dr. UAE’s ministry of foreign affairs further “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.
On Wednesday, a co-pilot stabbed the pilot-in-command on Flight FZ1073, which was carrying 174 passengers, following which the aircraft plunged about 16,000 feet.
In a statement, UAE’s ministry of foreign affairs said a team would be formed to investigate the circumstances and cause of the incident, given that the aircraft was registered in the country and bears its flag. In its statement, the ministry said that UAE was “closely following the incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv, which was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Hamad Al Shamsi, UAE Attorney-General, had ordered the formation of a team comprising specialised members of the Public Prosecution to investigate the circumstances and causes of the incident,” it said in a post on X. The ministry said that the UAE authorities had the “jurisdiction to investigate the incident under applicable legislation, as the aircraft is registered in the UAE and bears its flag. “Accordingly, UAE law applies to crimes committed on board the aircraft, even when they occur outside UAE territory,” the statement added. Expressing its appreciation for the Saudi authorities, the ministry lauded their “cooperation” and handling of the incident.
The ministry urged the public to only rely on information and statements issued by official sources, and avoid the circulation of speculation or unverified information until the investigation is complete and findings are announced.
