UAE says investigation launched into flydubai incident
The investigation would determine 'the degree to which the incident was linked to any terrorist activity or intent'.
The United Arab Emirates has initiated an investigation into a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv that made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia following an altercation in the cockpit. The incident occurred on Wednesday, with the plane descending rapidly, losing approximately 17,000 feet in a single minute. Passengers rushed to the cockpit, overpowering the co-pilot and preventing a potential crash.
The UAE attorney general has ordered the probe, which will examine the circumstances and motives behind the incident, including any possible militant involvement or pre-planning. The aircraft is registered in the UAE and flies under its flag, so UAE law applies to any crimes committed on board, even if they occur outside the country's territory.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the Indian pilot, Smit Machchhar, for his "extraordinary bravery" in fighting off the co-pilot and saving hundreds of lives. Israeli officials have termed the incident an "attempted terrorist attack." Saudi Arabia declined Israeli requests to send planes to retrieve passengers, stating they fulfilled their international obligation by assisting the passengers after the emergency landing.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- UAE says investigation launched into diverted flydubai flight dawn.com
- UAE says investigation launched into flydubai incident freemalaysiatoday.com
