UAE investigates possible ‘terrorist’ link in attack on flight to Israel

What the report says

The United Arab Emirates has opened a criminal investigation into the cockpit altercation on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv that was diverted and landed safely in Saudi Arabia, according to state media cited by Al Jazeera. UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said a team of prosecutors will examine how the incident unfolded and whether it was connected to any terrorist activity or prior planning.

The inquiry follows the Wednesday incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was carrying 174 people. Al Jazeera reported that the aircraft was en route to Israel when the fight in the cockpit forced the crew to divert to Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia. The UAE prosecutor said the country has jurisdiction because the plane is registered in the UAE and operates under its flag.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and that Israel would take part in questioning the suspect. Israeli officials have described the wounded pilot, identified by Netanyahu as Indian national Smit Machchhar, as helping avert a larger disaster, while passengers said they helped restrain the co-pilot and stabilize the aircraft. These accounts come from statements cited by Al Jazeera and have not been independently verified in the article.

The incident matters because it has raised security and legal questions on a commercial route between the UAE and Israel, a connection already under scrutiny after Flydubai said it would suspend flights to and from Israel.