UAE Says Flydubai Co-Pilot Attacked Captain With Axe in ‘Terrorist’ Attempt
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — WEB DESK: The co-pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073 attacked the aircraft’s captain with a cockpit crash axe and attempted to seize control of the plane in what UAE prosecutors have described as an attempted “terrorist” act.
The incident occurred on September 30 aboard the Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
UAE Prosecutor General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the co-pilot attacked the captain inside the cockpit using a crash axe, an emergency tool normally carried aboard aircraft.
The attacker then attempted to take control of the aircraft.
The co-pilot has been identified through current reporting as Omani national Hammam al-Hammami. UAE authorities have not publicly confirmed all details surrounding his identity and background.
The aircraft entered a dramatic descent during the incident while flying over Saudi Arabia before control was restored.
Flight-tracking information showed the aircraft dropping more than 16,000 feet in a matter of seconds during the emergency.
Passengers and crew members eventually entered the cockpit and helped overpower the co-pilot, allowing other qualified pilots travelling aboard the aircraft to assist in bringing the situation under control.
Flight FZ1073 subsequently made a safe emergency landing at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.
The flight was carrying more than 170 passengers, most of them Israeli nationals, along with crew members.
The captain suffered serious injuries during the attack and received medical treatment. The co-pilot was also treated before being transferred to UAE authorities as the investigation progressed.
Both pilots were later taken to Abu Dhabi after their medical conditions improved.
UAE authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the suspect’s motive, possible connections and physical and digital evidence.
The prosecutor general’s description marks the clearest official UAE statement so far characterising the cockpit assault as an attempted terrorist act.
Investigators have not yet publicly established whether the co-pilot acted alone or had links to any organisation.
Flydubai has said it is cooperating with authorities investigating the incident.
The investigation remains underway, with UAE authorities expected to release further findings once technical, physical and digital evidence has been examined.
