The UAE’s Attorney-General, Counsellor Dr. Hamad Al Shamsi, has ordered a specialised Public Prosecution team to investigate the incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after an altercation in the flight deck.
The flight had departed Dubai International Airport bound for Tel Aviv. flydubai confirmed that crew members travelling on board intervened during the altercation and secured the aircraft before it landed safely at Tabuk.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction over the investigation because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and flies under its flag. Under applicable legislation, UAE law extends to crimes committed on board UAE-registered aircraft even when they occur outside the country’s territory.
The investigation will examine the full circumstances and motives behind the incident, including any possible connection to terrorist activity, whether the incident involved prior planning, and whether it was directed by any external party.
The UAE said it appreciated Saudi Arabia’s cooperation and handling of the situation. The Ministry also called on the public to rely only on statements from official sources and to avoid circulating speculation or unverified information until the investigation concludes and its findings are announced.
