{
  "id": 11675065,
  "title": "Why did flydubai flight FZ1073 have two extra pilots on board?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/why-did-flydubai-flight-fz1073-have-two-extra-pilots-on-board",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-03T11:50:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/flydubai-fz1073-deadheading-pilots-cockpit-attack-10905243/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Flydubai flight FZ1073 had two extra pilots on board on September 30 due to routine practice and timing constraints. The additional pilots, known as \"deadheading\" pilots, were traveling in the cabin while being repositioned for their next route. This practice is standard for long-haul flights where pilots must adhere to strict duty time limits set by aviation authorities. In this case, the presence of the extra pilots allowed for a safe landing despite the attempted crash by the co-pilot, who was allegedly attempting to take control of the aircraft with an axe. The incident remains under investigation, with the UAE prosecutor describing it as a \"terrorist act.\"",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Flydubai flight FZ1073 had two extra pilots on board on September 30.",
    "The additional pilots were deadheading and repositioned for their next route.",
    "Extra pilots allowed for safe landing despite attempted crash by co-pilot."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}