Specialised Public Prosecution team to probe circumstances, motives and possible prior planning behind emergency landing in Saudi Arabia; Indian envoy meets injured pilot’s family in Dubai
Abu Dhabi, Oct 2026 : United Arab Emirates Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has ordered the formation of a specialised investigation team to probe the incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073, which made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after an alleged cockpit attack.
According to a statement issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, the team will comprise specialised members of the Public Prosecution and investigate the circumstances and causes of the incident, including any possible connection to terrorist activity or intent.
The investigation will examine the motives behind the incident, whether it involved prior planning or direction, and all other relevant circumstances surrounding the events aboard the aircraft.
The ministry said UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction over the case under applicable legislation because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and operates under its flag.
“Accordingly, UAE law applies to crimes committed on board the aircraft, even when they occur outside UAE territory,” the statement said.
The UAE also expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabian authorities for their cooperation and handling of the incident, which resulted in the aircraft being diverted to Tabuk.
The ministry urged the public and media to rely on information released by official sources and refrain from circulating speculation or unverified claims until the investigation is completed and its findings are formally announced.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when Flydubai flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to reports, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit, prompting an emergency response.
The Boeing 737 was reportedly cruising at approximately 34,000 feet when it began a sharp descent, at one point dropping at a reported rate of around 23,000 feet per minute before reaching an altitude of about 15,600 feet.
Machchhar reportedly resisted the co-pilot despite being injured and managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and overpower the alleged attacker.
The aircraft subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. The circumstances of the cockpit altercation and the alleged motive remain under investigation.
Meanwhile, India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, met Machchhar’s family in Dubai on Thursday and assured them of the Indian government’s support and assistance.
In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs said the ambassador had conveyed the government’s full support for the pilot’s welfare and well-being.
The incident has drawn international attention, with officials in India, the UAE and Israel acknowledging the seriousness of the episode. Authorities are expected to establish the sequence of events and determine responsibility as the investigation proceeds.
