Israeli investigators are expected to join the Emirati authorities in questioning the co-pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073, who was transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE on Thursday, as part of an Emirati-led investigation into the circumstances of the incident and the suspect’s motives and background. The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday before it was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk airport.
Emirati investigation examines motives behind incident
The company said a confrontation had taken place in the cockpit, prompting members of its crew on board to intervene and secure it, while Saudi authorities detained the co-pilot. The UAE attorney general formed a team of specialist prosecutors to collect information and evidence and determine whether the incident was linked to terrorist activity or a terrorist purpose, or involved prior planning or direction.
Flydubai chief executive Ghaith Al Ghaith said an official investigation was under way with the company’s support, stressing that time should be allowed for the facts to emerge.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the authorities were examining whether anyone else was involved.
