Attempted Terrorist Attack with Axe in Cockpit on Flydubai Flight
United Arab Emirates authorities reported that a co-pilot attacked the captain with an axe on a flydubai flight bound for Israel, and that the incident was an attempted terrorist attack.
The United Arab Emirates Public Prosecution announced that the co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 en route to Israel attacked the captain in the cockpit with an axe in an attempted terrorist attack.
Terrifying Moments During Flight
It was stated that on the flydubai flight carrying over a hundred passengers and crew, the co-pilot attacked the captain and attempted to crash the plane.
It was noted that a potential disaster was averted thanks to the quick intervention of passengers and crew on board.
Official Statement from the Public Prosecution
Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi stated that as a result of investigations, the co-pilot injured the pilot in the cockpit with an emergency axe and attempted to seize control of the aircraft, and that this was an attempted terrorist attack.
Passenger Profile and Security Measures
Information was shared that the majority of the passengers on board were Israeli citizens.
Safe Landing of the Aircraft and Detention
With a backup flydubai pilot on board taking over control, the aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
The co-pilot who carried out the attack was transferred to Abu Dhabi after being detained in Saudi Arabia.
Identity of the Attacker
It was learned that the co-pilot who perpetrated the incident was Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani citizen.