The UAE Attorney-General has ordered an investigation into an incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday before being diverted and landing safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The investigation team will work to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether it was linked to any terrorist activity or involved prior planning.
The probe follows flydubai’s statement that an altercation occurred in the flight deck during the journey, prompting crew members to intervene and secure the aircraft. As reported by Emirates News Agency (WAM), UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction to investigate the incident under the legislation in force, as the aircraft is registered in the UAE and flies the UAE flag.
Accordingly, UAE law applies to crimes committed on board the aircraft, even if they occur outside the country’s territory.
India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Dr Deepak Mittal, and Consul General in Dubai Dr E Vishnu Vardhan Reddy met the family of Captain Smit Machchhar, briefing them on his health and recovery. They said the Embassy and Consulate remain in contact with UAE authorities and assured the family of continued support, while praising Captain Machchhar’s courage and efforts in saving lives.
Captain Machchhar had helped avert a major crisis after he was seriously injured during the cockpit incident aboard FZ 1073. Despite injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker and helping prevent what could have been a major flight disaster.
Meanwhile, Flydubai has said that it would suspend flights to and from Israel while the investigation continues, adding that it remains in coordination with government authorities, regulators and airport stakeholders.
