UAE orders investigation into Flydubai flight incident

DUBAI - The United Arab Emirates attorney-general on Thursday ordered an investigation into an incident involving a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, the state news agency WAM reported.

Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi ordered the formation of a team of specialized public prosecutors to investigate the incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday before being diverted and landing safely in the Saudi city of Tabuk.

The move followed Flydubai's statement that an altercation had occurred in the cockpit during the flight and that crew members intervened and secured the aircraft.

The investigation team has begun work in coordination with the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant authorities, and will also examine whether the incident was linked to terrorist activity or intent, or involved prior planning or direction, WAM said.

UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction to investigate the incident because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and flies the UAE flag, WAM said, adding that UAE law therefore applies to crimes committed on board the aircraft even when they occur outside the country's territory.