WorldPublished: 3 October 2026 at 13:23

FlyDubai co-pilot attacks captain with emergency axe mid-flight

The co-pilot of FlyDubai flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, attacked the captain with an emergency axe on Wednesday in an apparent attempt to seize control of the aircraft. The plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

UAE prosecutors have confirmed an incident that occurred on Wednesday aboard FlyDubai flight FZ1073, according to a report published Saturday by the state news agency Emirates News Agency (WAM).

According to prosecutors, the flight's co-pilot attacked the aircraft's captain during the flight, using an emergency axe carried on board. The stated aim of the attack was to take control of the aircraft.

The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, but as a result of the incident the aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabian territory.

The source report does not provide further details on the cause of the incident, any injuries, the aftermath, or the current status of the co-pilot.

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