UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has ordered the formation of an investigation team to probe the incident, including any possible connection to terrorist activity or intent, involving Flydubai flight FZ1073 that forced the plane to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. According to the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the team, comprising specialised members of the Public Prosecution, will investigate the circumstances and causes of the incident.

The Ministry affirmed that the UAE’s judicial authorities have jurisdiction to investigate the incident under applicable legislation, as the aircraft is registered in the UAE and bears its flag. It said that the investigation includes examining all circumstances and motives surrounding the incident, including any possible connection to terrorist activity or intent, and whether it involved prior planning or direction.

The UAE appreciated Saudi Arabian authorities for their cooperation and handling of the incident. The Flydubai flight was heading from Dubai to Israel’s Tel Aviv yesterday when the co-pilot tried to sabotage the aircraft and stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar, who was trying to prevent him from doing so. At the time, the Boeing 737, cruising at about 34,000 feet, began dropping at roughly 23,000 feet per minute before reaching about 15,600 feet. However, Smit Machchhar fought back the co-pilot, resisted him, and opened the cockpit door so that passengers and crew members could overpower him. The flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk. Earlier in the day, India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, visited the family of Captain Smit Machchhar in Dubai and assured them of the Indian government’s full support and assistance.