UAE opens terrorism investigation into alleged Flydubai hijacking attempt

The United Arab Emirates has opened an investigation into an alleged attempt to hijack and crash a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, the country’s chief prosecutor’s office said Thursday.

According to the UAE state news agency WAM, investigators will examine whether the incident involved “terrorist activity or intent” and whether it was premeditated, involved other people or was carried out by a lone suspect.

Passengers said the flight’s copilot stabbed the pilot and put the aircraft into a steep dive before people aboard rushed the cockpit and helped subdue him. The plane made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after spending much of the incident over northern Saudi Arabia and briefly crossing into Jordan, according to tracking data cited by Deutsche Welle. Passengers were reported safe aside from minor cuts and bruises suffered by some of those who intervened.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the incident as a thwarted “jihadist terror attack.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had indications that the copilot, an Omani national whose identity has not been released, had undergone Islamist radicalization, but he provided no further evidence and said no final conclusions had been reached.

The UAE said it has jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered in the country and flies under its flag. Emirati law applies to crimes aboard such aircraft even when they occur outside UAE territory. The suspect’s motive remains under investigation.