UAE Opens Probe Into Flydubai Cockpit Incident

The United Arab Emirates has opened an investigation into a cockpit altercation aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, examining whether it involved terrorist intent, prior planning or direction. The aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia after being diverted, and the circumstances and motive remain unresolved. UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi formed a team of prosecutors to investigate the incident involving the two pilots aboard flight FZ1073, according to an announcement by the state news agency. The prosecutors will examine the events and motives, including any possible connection to terrorist activity. Al Shamsi said UAE authorities have jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered in the country and flies under its flag, and that UAE law applies to crimes aboard it even when they occur outside UAE territory. The flight left Dubai for Tel Aviv on Wednesday, September 30, and diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Accounts of the cockpit confrontation and the events leading to the diversion have not been established by a completed investigation. Flydubai said the reasons and motives were unknown and subject to a formal inquiry.