UAE prosecutors: FlyDubai co-pilot attacked captain with axe in bid to seize control of aircraft

Prosecutors in the United Arab Emirates have disclosed new details about a violent incident that unfolded in the cockpit of a FlyDubai aircraft operating flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The information was reported on Saturday by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), citing the UAE prosecution.

Cockpit attack

According to the prosecutors, the aircraft's co-pilot picked up an emergency axe — equipment normally kept on board for emergency situations — and used it to attack the captain. Investigators say the apparent aim of the attack was to seize control of the aircraft.

Emergency landing

As a result of the incident, the flight could not continue on its original route and was forced to divert for an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The source report does not specify whether anyone was injured during the attack, nor does it provide further details on the number of passengers aboard or what subsequently happened to the aircraft.

News of the incident emerged only several days later, once UAE prosecutors made details of their investigation public. The co-pilot's motive remains unclear, as does the current status of both the co-pilot and the captain. Whether charges will be brought, and how the case will proceed, has not yet been disclosed.