Flydubai Co-Pilot Allegedly Attempted Terrorist Attack with Axe During Flight
The co-pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073 allegedly attempted a 'terrorist' attack by attacking the pilot inside the cockpit with an axe, according to UAE prosecutor general Hamad Saif Al Shamsi. The incident occurred mid-flight while carrying over 170 passengers and crew. Passengers and crew subdued the co-pilot before disaster could occur, allowing a reserve flydubai pilot on board to land the aircraft safely in Saudi Arabia. The suspect has been identified as an Omani national named Hammam al-Hammami. Israeli officials confirmed most of the passengers were Israelis, with investigations ongoing into his motives and potential external involvement. UAE-led authorities are working alongside Israeli investigators to determine if there was any direction behind the attack or radical Islamist influence on the co-pilot. Flydubai has stated it is not in a position to comment further as the incident remains under investigation.
Topics: aviation safety flydubai terrorism UAE-Israel cooperation