The United Arab Emirates has launched a criminal investigation into a midair altercation between two pilots aboard a Flydubai flight to Israel that forced the aircraft to divert and land in Saudi Arabia.
UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has formed a team of public prosecutors to investigate the incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073, state news agency WAM reported on Thursday.
The flight was carrying 174 passengers and was travelling from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv on Wednesday when the incident unfolded.
According to reports, the co-pilot stabbed the pilot-in-command, Indian national , during the flight. The aircraft subsequently plunged around 16,000 feet, triggering a serious emergency.
Machchhar reportedly managed to unlock the cockpit door despite being injured, allowing passengers to enter and restrain the co-pilot. Another pilot from the second crew then took control of the aircraft.
The plane was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
The investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the motive behind the attack and whether it involved prior planning or direction.
Prosecutors will also determine whether the incident had any connection to “terrorist activity or intent”, WAM reported.
The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said an investigation was being launched because the aircraft is registered in the country and operates under the UAE flag.
Al Shamsi said UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction because the aircraft is UAE-registered, adding that UAE law applies to crimes committed aboard its aircraft “even if they occur outside the country’s territory”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin said he had spoken with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who agreed that Israel would participate in the interrogation of the suspect.
also credited Machchhar and passengers aboard the flight with helping prevent a potential catastrophe.
The incident has drawn particular attention because the aircraft was operating an international route and the alleged attack took place inside the cockpit, potentially leaving the aircraft vulnerable to deliberate interference with its controls.
Passengers on the flight described the moments after the alleged attack as chaotic as the aircraft went into a steep descent.
Israeli President’s Office said passengers helped restrain the co-pilot after opened the cockpit door. One passenger, Asaf Rajuan, described the situation as one in which passengers had to react instinctively.
“We felt helpless, suspended in midair, and I didn’t know who to turn to. But it was all instinct to survive,” Rajuan said in a statement shared by Israel’s presidency, according to Reuters.
The aircraft was carrying passengers from several countries. Israel’s foreign ministry, as cited by, said those on board included Israeli, Indian and UAE nationals.
The US State Department said four passengers on the flight were US citizens.
Investigators are now expected to establish what triggered the cockpit confrontation, how the aircraft lost altitude and whether the incident was an isolated act or involved any wider planning or motive.
