Flydubai Co-Pilot Attacked Captain With Crash Axe in Attempted ‘Terrorist Act’: UAE

ABU DHABI, Oct 3: The co-pilot of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv attacked the captain with a crash axe and attempted to seize control of the aircraft, in what the UAE Attorney-General has described as an attempted “terrorist act.” UAE Attorney-General Counsellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said investigations into Flight FZ1073 established that the co-pilot began attacking while the aircraft was in flight, assaulting the captain inside the cockpit before attempting to take control of the flight controls.

The aircraft, carrying 174 people, was diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after the cockpit incident. Passengers and crew helped subdue the co-pilot, while a reserve Flydubai pilot who was aboard the flight took control and landed the aircraft safely. Saudi authorities subsequently detained the co-pilot.

Reuters reported that sources identified the co-pilot as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national, although UAE authorities have not publicly confirmed his identity. The UAE Attorney-General said the investigation remains underway to determine the full circumstances, motive and any possible connections, while authorities examine technical, physical and digital evidence. The final findings will be announced after the investigation is completed.

The development marks the first time UAE authorities have officially characterized the incident as an attempted terrorist attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously alleged that the co-pilot had undergone radical Islamist indoctrination, but said a motive was still being investigated. The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority has urged the public to rely on official information and avoid circulating unverified claims while the investigation continues.