UAE prosecutors say the co-pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073 attacked the captain with a crash axe and attempted to seize control of the aircraft in what investigators describe as a premeditated terrorist attack.
The United Arab Emirates has formally described the cockpit attack aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 as an attempted terrorist act, marking the strongest official assessment of the incident so far.
UAE Prosecutor General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said preliminary investigations found that the co-pilot attacked the captain inside the cockpit with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft while it was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to the prosecutor general, investigators have uncovered indications that the incident was premeditated, although the suspect’s motive, possible connections and other circumstances remain under investigation.
Authorities are examining physical and digital evidence as part of the UAE-led inquiry, and further findings are expected to be released once the necessary investigative procedures are completed.
Reuters reported that two sources familiar with the case identified the co-pilot as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national. However, UAE authorities have not publicly confirmed his identity, and Oman has not commented on the case.
The incident was brought under control after passengers and crew members subdued the co-pilot. A reserve Flydubai pilot travelling on board then took control of the aircraft and safely landed it at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
The co-pilot was initially detained by Saudi authorities and later transferred to Abu Dhabi as investigators continued examining his background and possible motive. Israeli investigators are also expected to participate in the UAE-led investigation.
Flydubai has said that the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation and that it is not in a position to comment further at this stage.