UAE Prosecutor Orders Probe into Flydubai Flight Incident

The UAE's Attorney General, Counselor Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, has ordered the formation of a special investigative team to examine an incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was en route from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv. The flight was diverted and landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, following what the airline described as an "altercation in the cockpit during the flight that required the intervention of company crew members on board to secure it." The UAE's Public Prosecution has begun its work in coordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority and relevant state bodies. The Attorney General directed the team to gather information, evidence, and determine the facts, circumstances, motives, and any potential links to terrorist activity. He urged the public to avoid speculation and rely only on official statements as investigations are ongoing.

The UAE judicial authorities claim jurisdiction over the incident because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and flies under its flag, meaning Emirati law applies to crimes committed on board, regardless of where they occur. This legal basis allows for the investigation.

In parallel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the incident was an "attempted 9/11-style attack" that was thwarted by the pilot and passengers. He praised the Indian pilot, Smith Machchar, and Israeli passengers, including Yaniv Hayun, for their bravery in subduing the attacker, an Omani co-pilot. Netanyahu spoke with US President Donald Trump about the incident, emphasizing the potential global impact on aviation. He noted that Israel had not received specific intelligence about the threat and that investigations into the attacker's motives are ongoing. While not ruling out Iranian involvement, Netanyahu stated that there is currently no specific information linking Tehran to the incident, but "we will soon know if Iran has a connection."

Netanyahu also revealed he spoke with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed, who called him to inquire about passenger safety and offer assistance. They agreed to coordinate on flight security matters, and bin Zayed reportedly consented to Israel's participation in the investigation. Netanyahu mentioned that the flight carried approximately 30 children and that passengers feared for their lives during the sharp descent. He concluded by humorously suggesting that having an Israeli seated next to you might be beneficial in such situations.