Saudi Arabia has initiated safety investigations following an incident that occurred on a Flydubai flight. This action comes after an attack by the co-pilot on the captain of the flight on September 30. The flight, which was en route from Dubai to Israel, was in Saudi Arabian airspace at the time of the incident.
Details of the Incident and Reactions
The safety investigations, alongside a criminal investigation led by the United Arab Emirates, will address the implications for flight security. Experts believe that such investigations are typically conducted after incidents occur, but are not mandatory in cases of intentional acts.
Saudi Arabia has informed international bodies related to flight safety that it will commence safety investigations regarding flight FZ1073 under international law. This flight was flying in Saudi Arabian airspace at the time of the attack on the captain.
International Cooperation and Implications
The National Transportation Safety Center of Saudi Arabia, which is responsible for investigating incidents, has not yet responded to requests for comment. On the other hand, officials from the United Arab Emirates have also not responded to requests for comment on this matter. According to international law, the United Arab Emirates will automatically be involved in this investigation due to the registration of the aircraft and the location of Flydubai's operations.
Iran, whose citizens make up nearly all 172 passengers on the flight, has offered to participate in any safety investigations led by Saudi Arabia, but has not yet received an invitation to participate. The head of the Israeli Air Accident Investigation Agency has stated that they are waiting for notification from Saudi Arabia to participate in these investigations.
Saudi Arabia and Israel do not have diplomatic relations, but experts believe that cooperation systems to prevent incidents, which have significantly helped reduce accident rates, can transcend political lines.
