FlyDubai Pilot Allegedly Attacked Captain With Emergency Axe, Probe Finds

Fresh details have emerged about Wednesday's cockpit incident aboard a FlyDubai flight, revealing that the co-pilot used the aircraft's emergency axe — standard safety equipment meant for breaking through panels or obstacles in emergencies — to attack the captain. The information was reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), citing the United Arab Emirates public prosecution.

Flight FZ1073, carrying 182 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv, suffered a rapid loss of altitude after the attack began in the cockpit. The captain, an Indian national, was seriously injured but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to subdue the attacker and stabilize the aircraft. The plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Treated as a terror attempt

UAE authorities have classified the incident as an attempted terrorist act. Israel's government reached a similar conclusion, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that the co-pilot had been indoctrinated with Islamist ideology.

The co-pilot, reported by Israeli sources to be an Omani national, was taken to the UAE following the incident. Investigators are still working to establish his motives and whether he had any ties to other individuals or organizations.

Earlier red flags

The Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that Omani authorities had previously barred the co-pilot from flying over concerns he had adopted radical ideological views. Saudi outlet Al Arabiya, citing its own sources, confirmed the flying ban and added that the man had previously spent time in Syria, where he is believed to have been influenced by extremist ideas.