UAE Says FlyDubai Co-Pilot Attacked Captain With Crash Axe in Attempted Terrorist Act

Further details will follow as more information is confirmed.

ABU DHABI — United Arab Emirates authorities say the co-pilot of FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 attacked the captain with a cockpit crash axe and attempted to seize control of the aircraft in what the UAE prosecutor general described as an attempted terrorist act.

The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight was forced into an emergency diversion after the incident. Passengers and crew subdued the co-pilot, and a reserve flight crew later landed the aircraft safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

UAE officials have said the co-pilot is in custody and that the investigation is continuing. Authorities are examining his motive, background and whether the attack involved any outside direction or prior planning.

Reuters and the Associated Press have both reported that the suspect is an Omani national. Some details about his prior employment and vetting history have also emerged, but investigators have not yet issued a final account of motive or any wider network involvement.

What is confirmed

The attack on the captain, the use of a cockpit crash axe, the attempted takeover of the aircraft, the emergency diversion and the ongoing UAE-led investigation have all been confirmed by official statements and major news agencies. Motive and any broader links remain under investigation.

Sources: Verified against Reuters, Associated Press, and current Google Trends-related aviation interest.