Washington DC, Oct. 1 -- Saudi Arabian authorities have handed over the flydubai co-pilot accused of stabbing the flight's captain during a midair attack to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Fox News reported on Thursday (local time).

The transfer comes as investigators race to establish the motive behind the terrifying midair assault aboard the commercial airliner, which was bound for Israel.

According to Fox News, the aircraft plunged thousands of feet following the stabbing of the captain before passengers stepped in to subdue the suspect. Other pilots onboard subsequently managed to regain control of the aircraft.

All 174 people on board survived the harrowing ordeal, while UAE authorities are actively investigating the incident, inc...