The UAE Attorney-General has ordered an investigation into an in-flight altercation aboard a flydubai aircraft that forced the flight to divert and make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has assigned a specialist team to investigate the incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073. The flight was travelling from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion Airport on Wednesday, September 30, but was diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia following a security incident.

According to the UAE’s official news agency, the investigation will determine whether the incident was linked to “terrorist activity or intent” and whether it was premeditated or directed by others.

The exact details of what happened in the cockpit remain under investigation. UAE authorities have so far confirmed that a “security incident” occurred and that several crew members were injured, but no final conclusions have been announced regarding the motive or the identities and nationalities of those involved.

According to available information, the Boeing 737 experienced a sharp loss of altitude following an altercation in the cockpit before crew members helped bring the aircraft to a safe landing at Tabuk Airport. All passengers were unharmed, while the pilot and co-pilot were taken to hospital for medical treatment.

The UAE Public Prosecution has launched its investigation in coordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant bodies. UAE authorities have also urged the public not to circulate unverified information or prejudge the outcome of the investigation.

Initial reports about the pilots’ nationalities and other details of the incident have been contradictory. UAE authorities and flydubai have not confirmed the nationality of the co-pilot accused in some reports of carrying out the attack.

Meanwhile, Smith Machhar, an Indian flydubai pilot, has been praised for helping bring the situation under control and preventing a potential disaster. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said he was in stable condition.

Some Israeli officials have described the incident as “terrorism”, but that assessment has not been confirmed by authorities in the UAE or Oman, or by flydubai. An official investigation into the motive and nature of the incident is continuing.