UAE Opens Hijacking and Terrorism Investigation Into flydubai Tel Aviv Flight

The United Arab Emirates has opened a hijacking and terrorism investigation into an alleged attempted hijacking aboard a flydubai commercial flight bound for Tel Aviv, the country's chief prosecutor said.

The prosecutor said authorities are examining the possibility of "terrorist activity or intent" in connection with the incident, and confirmed that the UAE has jurisdiction to pursue the case. The announcement follows earlier reports that a flydubai aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with Israeli passengers aboard.

Details of the alleged attempted hijacking, including the identity of any suspects or the specific nature of the threat, were not disclosed in the prosecutor's statement. The investigation is being conducted alongside flydubai's own suspension of flights to and from Israel following the incident.

The case has drawn attention from senior political figures, with U.S. President Donald Trump describing the flight's pilot as a "hero" and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meeting with Israeli passengers from the flight after their arrival in Israel.

UAE authorities said the investigation into the incident is ongoing, and further details are expected as the inquiry progresses.