How Flydubai Co-Pilot Att∆cked Captain With Axe, Tried To Take Over Plane — UAE Prosecutor
How Flydubai Co-Pilot Attacked Captain With Axe, Tried To Take Over Plane — UAE Prosecutor
The incident occurred aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, according to the UAE Attorney-General, Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi.
The United Arab Emirates has said the co-pilot of a Flydubai passenger aircraft attempted to carry out what authorities described as a “terrorist attack” after allegedly attacking the captain with an axe during a flight to Israel.
The incident occurred aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, according to the UAE Attorney-General, Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi.
Al Shamsi said investigations revealed that the co-pilot attacked the captain inside the cockpit with a crash axe before attempting to take control of the aircraft.
He said the authorities had launched investigations into the incident, including efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack, the motive behind it and whether the suspect had any links to other individuals or organisations.
The Attorney-General said technical examinations and analysis of physical and digital evidence were also being conducted as part of the investigation.
According to the UAE authorities, the incident did not result in the aircraft crashing, while the crew and passengers were able to intervene.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Reuters, citing sources, reported that the co-pilot was identified as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national.
The report said the aircraft was carrying more than 170 people at the time of the incident.
The UAE authorities have not yet disclosed a definitive motive for the alleged attack, stressing that investigations are ongoing.
The Attorney-General said the findings would be announced after the investigation had been completed and all relevant evidence examined.
The incident has raised fresh security concerns surrounding aviation, particularly the potential threat posed by individuals with access to an aircraft’s cockpit.
Flydubai, a Dubai-based airline, operates flights to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia.
