UAE investigates alleged attack on Flydubai flight

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after a copilot allegedly stabbed the captain and tried to crash the aircraft, prompting an investigation led by the United Arab Emirates into the incident and whether it involved terrorist activity or intent. The flight, carrying 174 people, diverted to Tabuk after an emergency descent. Passengers reportedly intervened to subdue the copilot and help bring the aircraft under control. Flydubai said the passengers were safe and that another on-duty crew member aboard the flight diverted and landed the plane. The injured captain, Indian national Smit Machchhar, was being treated in Saudi Arabia; the Indian Embassy said he was in stable condition. The UAE chief prosecutor announced an investigation, and the UAE government said its investigative team had begun work. The government said UAE authorities had jurisdiction because the aircraft was registered in the UAE and UAE law applied to crimes committed aboard it. The inquiry is examining whether the incident involved terrorist activity or intent. Investigators have not publicly established a motive, and the circumstances remain under investigation.