Flydubai Co-Pilot Attacked Captain With Crash Axe, UAE SaysFlydubai Co-Pilot Attacked Captain With Crash Axe, UAE SaysFlydubai Co-Pilot Attacked Captain With Crash Axe, UAE SayshThe co-pilot of a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv attacked the captain with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft, the United Arab Emirates’ attorney-general said on Saturday, 3 October.
Hamad Saif Al Shamsi described the incident aboard flight FZ1073 as an attempted terrorist act. He said investigations were continuing into its circumstances, motives, and any associated links.
The attack occurred on Wednesday, 30 September. The aircraft diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia and landed safely. wam.ae, wam.ae
Prosecutor Identifies Weapon
The statement carried by Emirates News Agency identifies the weapon as a crash axe and says the assault took place inside the cockpit.
A crash axe is an emergency tool typically kept in the flight deck. wam.ae, reuters.com
The prosecutor said technical examinations and analysis of physical and digital evidence remained under way. Final findings would be announced once the necessary procedures were completed.
His description of an attempted terrorist act is the authorities’ investigative assessment. The motive and any involvement by others remain under investigation. wam.ae
Crew and Passengers Helped Secure Aircraft
In its published updates, flydubai said crew members travelling aboard the flight secured the aircraft, diverted it and landed safely.
Chief executive Ghaith Al Ghaith thanked the captain, the pilots who landed the aircraft, cabin crew, and passengers who helped during the emergency.
The airline’s latest statement gives the number aboard as 172 passengers and crew. It says everyone is safe and receiving support, including the captain, who returned to the UAE following medical clearance. news.flydubai.com
Identity Reported by Reuters
Reuters identified the co-pilot as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national, citing a source with direct knowledge and another briefed on the investigation. Emirati authorities and flydubai had not publicly confirmed his identity.
Royal Air Maroc told Reuters that he completed three months of training with the Moroccan airline in 2025, but his subsequent employment application was rejected. It did not explain why. reuters.com
Tel Aviv Flights Suspended
Flydubai says operations to Tel Aviv have been temporarily suspended until further notice, at the authorities’ request.
The airline said it was supporting affected travellers and the official investigation. No restart date was given in its latest statement. news.flydubai.com
