RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s National Transport Safety Center has launched a safety investigation into the emergency landing of Flydubai flight FZ1073 at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk.
The center said on Wednesday it received a report about the incident and dispatched a safety investigation team to examine the circumstances, collect relevant information and evidence, and assess aviation safety aspects in coordination with the authorities concerned.
The investigation comes as UAE authorities separately opened an investigation into an altercation inside the aircraft’s cockpit during the flight, which prompted crew members traveling aboard the plane to intervene and secure it.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday that the incident involved an altercation inside the cockpit and expressed its appreciation to Saudi authorities for their cooperation and handling of the incident after the aircraft landed safely in Tabuk on Wednesday.
UAE Attorney General Dr. Hamad Al-Shamsi ordered the formation of a team of specialized public prosecutors to investigate the incident.
The ministry said UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction over the investigation because the aircraft is registered in the country and flies its flag, meaning UAE law applies to crimes committed aboard the aircraft even when they occur outside the country’s territory.
The investigation will examine the circumstances and motives behind the incident, including whether it had any connection to terrorist activity or purpose, or involved prior planning or direction.
The Emirates News Agency (WAM) said the investigative team had begun its work in coordination with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant authorities.
The UAE Foreign Ministry urged the public to rely on information from official sources and avoid speculation or unverified reports until investigations are completed and their findings announced.
Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport said its air traffic control center received a distress call from flight FZ1073 requesting an emergency landing at 8:44 a.m. local time on Wednesday, Sept. 30.
An emergency was declared and preparations were made to assist the aircraft, which landed safely at 9:45 a.m.
Both the captain and co-pilot sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Passengers received assistance at the terminal while the airline arranged a replacement aircraft. All passengers later continued to their final destination aboard the replacement aircraft, which departed Tabuk at 5:40 p.m. Wednesday.( Saudi Gazette)
