The United Arab Emirates has opened a criminal investigation into Wednesday's attack aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073. Investigators will examine whether the Omani co-pilot accused of stabbing the captain and trying to crash the Tel Aviv-bound plane was connected to terrorism, planned the attack in advance, or acted on someone else's direction.
UAE Attorney General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has formed a dedicated team of specialized public prosecutors to handle the case, the state news agency WAM reported Thursday. The team has already begun work together with the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant authorities.
According to WAM, Al Shamsi instructed investigators to gather all available evidence, establish the facts, and determine the circumstances and motives behind the attack. They are also to determine whether it was linked to any terrorist activity or purpose.
The UAE says it has jurisdiction over the case because the aircraft is registered in the Emirates and flies under the UAE flag. According to the statement, UAE law applies to crimes committed on board such aircraft even when they take place outside the country's territory. Al Shamsi also urged the public not to circulate unverified information while the investigation is under way.
The announcement is Abu Dhabi's first formal criminal step since the attack. Israeli officials have been clear about what they believe took place. Defense Minister Israel Katz called the incident an attempted jihadist terror attack. Israel's Foreign Ministry told ambassadors and heads of missions worldwide on Wednesday that the attack targeted Israelis, the UAE and the Abraham Accords. President Isaac Herzog thanked the UAE for its partnership in fighting terrorism.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News he expects the suspect, now being questioned by Saudi authorities, to be transferred to the Emirates. He said Israel will follow the investigation closely and may take part in it.
The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority had already announced its own inquiry on Wednesday. It said crew members injured in the attack were taken to a hospital in Saudi Arabia for treatment.
Flydubai has temporarily suspended its flights to and from Israel while the investigation continues. In a statement, the airline said the motives behind the incident remain unknown and are the subject of a formal investigation.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday morning when the co-pilot attacked the captain in the cockpit. The wounded captain managed to open the cockpit door, and Israeli passengers and crew members rushed in, overpowered the attacker, and handed control of the plane to other pilots on board. The aircraft diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia and landed safely with all passengers accounted for. Israel's Mossad and Shin Bet are separately investigating the attack.
