UAE launches legal investigation into flydubai cockpit incident on Tel Aviv-bound flight

The United Arab Emirates formally announced on October 1 that judicial authorities have opened a comprehensive investigation into the flydubai cockpit incident on Tel Aviv-bound flight FZ1073. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the probe follows the stabbing of the captain by the co-pilot in an apparent attempt to crash the plane. The Boeing 737 was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after an altercation in the cockpit. UAE Attorney-General Counsellor Dr. Hamad Al Shamsi directed a specialized Public Prosecution team to examine the precise causes and motives, including any connection to terrorist activity, as well as whether there was prior planning or direction. The UAE said it maintains full jurisdiction because the aircraft is UAE-registered.