Flydubai co-pilot attacked pilot with axe, attempted 'terrorist' attack, UAE says

The co-pilot of a flydubai flight attempted to take control of the aircraft and carry out a terrorist attack, according to the UAE prosecutor general. The co-pilot, identified by a source as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national, attacked the pilot with a crash axe inside the cockpit.

The incident occurred on flight FZ1073, which had over 170 passengers and crew on board. The co-pilot's actions were subdued by passengers and crew, and a reserve flydubai pilot took control of the aircraft.

The plane was landed at Tabuk airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the incident, the motives, and any related connections. The UAE prosecutor general described the incident as an attempted terrorist attack, and authorities are examining physical and digital evidence.

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