Co-pilot attacked pilot with axe, attempted ‘terrorist attack’: UAE
Flydubai said the circumstances surrounding the incident were still under investigation
The United Arab Emirates prosecutor general revealed on Saturday that the co-pilot of a flydubai flight bound for Israel had attempted a "terrorist attack" during the flight. The co-pilot, identified as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national, attacked the pilot with a crash axe and tried to take control of the aircraft, according to UAE authorities.
The incident, which took place on Wednesday, was averted when passengers and crew subdued the co-pilot, allowing the reserve pilot on board to land the plane safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia. Israeli officials, who have previously confirmed the co-pilot's identity, said the suspect had undergone radical Islamist indoctrination and appeared suicidal.
The UAE is leading the investigation, which is ongoing to determine the circumstances of the incident, the motives, and any potential connections. Flydubai, owned by Dubai's government, is assisting in the investigation, while the airline stated that the circumstances are still under investigation.
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