UAE Orders Investigation Into Flydubai Flight Incident
The United Arab Emirates has launched an investigation into an incident involving a Flydubai passenger aircraft that was diverted to Saudi Arabia while travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi ordered the formation of a specialised investigation team on Thursday to examine the circumstances surrounding Flydubai flight FZ1073.
Investigation Team Formed
According to the UAE’s official WAM news agency, the team will consist of specialised public prosecutors.
Investigators have been instructed to collect evidence, establish the sequence of events and determine the circumstances and motives connected to the incident.
Authorities will also examine whether the incident involved any prior planning, direction or possible connection to terrorist activity, WAM reported.
The UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction over the case because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and operates under the country’s flag. UAE law can therefore apply to offences committed aboard the aircraft even when it is outside UAE territory.
Flight Diverted to Saudi Arabia
Flight FZ1073 was carrying 174 passengers from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv on Wednesday when an incident was reported inside the cockpit.
Flydubai said an altercation took place in the flight deck. The crew subsequently secured the aircraft and diverted the flight to Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew members were accounted for.
Saudi airport officials said the captain and first officer sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Saudi Authorities Also Investigating
Saudi Arabia’s National Transport Safety Centre has also started a safety investigation into the incident.
The Saudi investigation team is coordinating with relevant authorities to establish what happened, assess aviation safety aspects and collect information and evidence.
Following the incident, passengers were able to continue their journey to Tel Aviv on an alternative aircraft arranged by Flydubai.
