UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has ordered the formation of an investigative team to probe into the incident involving a flydubai flight on Wednesday. The team, consisting of specialized public prosecutors, will work in coordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant authorities. The flight, traveling from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv, was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after an altercation occurred inside the cockpit.
The incident involved a fight between the pilots, with one attempting to stab the other and potentially crash the plane. Israeli officials described the incident as "an attempted terrorist attack." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised those who prevented a crash, stating it was "too early" to determine who was behind the altercation. The UAE attorney general has urged against speculation and the circulation of unverified information, stressing the need to rely on official sources.
Flydubai has suspended flights to and from Israel pending the completion of the investigation. The airline confirmed that its crew members managed to take control of the aircraft, divert it, and land safely at Tabuk Airport, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew. The causes and motives behind the incident remain unknown and are subject to an official investigation.
The UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction to investigate the incident under applicable laws, as the aircraft is registered in the UAE and carries its flag. UAE law applies to crimes committed on board the aircraft, even when they occur outside the country's territory. The investigative team has begun its work, gathering information and evidence to establish the facts, circumstances, and motives surrounding the incident.
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed discussed bilateral relations with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in a phone call on Wednesday. The two sides exchanged views on regional developments, and Sheikh Abdullah was reassured about the safety of passengers on the flydubai flight. Saudi Arabia's Tabuk Airport received a distress call from the flydubai flight and immediately declared a state of emergency.
The incident has garnered international attention, with Netanyahu describing it as a potentially catastrophic event. The Israeli Prime Minister's comments highlight the severity of the situation and the importance of a thorough investigation. The UAE attorney general's office will work closely with relevant authorities to determine the facts surrounding the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, and the UAE authorities are working to establish the facts and motives behind the incident. Flydubai's suspension of flights to and from Israel will remain in place until the investigation is complete. The incident highlights the importance of aviation security and the need for cooperation between countries to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Key points
- The UAE attorney general has ordered an investigation into the flydubai incident, which involved a fight between pilots and a potential attempt to crash the plane.
- Flydubai has suspended flights to and from Israel pending the completion of the investigation.
- The incident has been described as an "attempted terrorist attack" by Israeli officials, and the UAE authorities are working to determine the facts and motives behind the incident.
