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UAE Prosecutors Describe Flydubai Incident as Terrorist Attack
DUBAI/TEL AVIV: The United Arab Emirates has said the co-pilot of an Israel-bound flydubai flight attempted to carry out a terrorist attack by attacking the captain inside the cockpit with a crash axe.
UAE Prosecutor General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi announced the findings on Saturday, according to the state news agency.
The incident occurred aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 on Wednesday, when passengers and crew reportedly intervened to subdue the co-pilot.
The aircraft was carrying more than 170 passengers and crew members when it diverted to Saudi Arabia.
Co-Pilot Identified as Omani National
A source familiar with the investigation identified the co-pilot as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national, Reuters reported. A second source briefed on the investigation confirmed the name.
UAE authorities had not publicly confirmed his identity at the time of the report.
According to Prosecutor General Al Shamsi, the co-pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
A crash axe is emergency equipment typically kept in an aircraft cockpit.
Authorities said the investigation, including inquiries into the suspect’s motives, was continuing. Further findings will be released after the necessary procedures are completed.
Flight Diverted to Saudi Arabia
The incident was brought under control after passengers and crew members intervened.
A reserve flydubai pilot who was travelling on the flight took control of the aircraft and landed it at Tabuk airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
Saudi authorities detained the co-pilot, who was subsequently transferred to Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
Israeli officials had previously said the suspect was an Omani national and indicated that Israeli investigators would participate alongside Emirati authorities in examining the incident.
Most Passengers Were Israeli Nationals
Most passengers aboard the flight were Israeli nationals.
Flydubai said the circumstances surrounding the incident remained under investigation and declined to comment further.
Chief Executive Ghaith Al Ghaith said on Friday that the aircraft had been diverted following a safety incident in the cockpit.
Senior UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash also commented on the incident, saying the country had zero tolerance for terrorism and would not show leniency towards extremist rhetoric.
Israel to Participate in Investigation
An Israeli government official told Reuters that Israeli investigators would work alongside Emirati authorities to establish what happened and examine the suspect’s background and possible motives.
A source briefed on the investigation said Israeli officials were expected to question the co-pilot in the UAE, although the specific agency involved was not identified.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was investigating whether the co-pilot had acted under someone else’s direction. He warned that anyone found to be involved would face serious consequences.
Netanyahu had also made claims about the suspect’s alleged radicalisation, although investigators had not publicly established a motive.
Flight Data Shows Rapid Descent
Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 indicated that the aircraft descended approximately 16,625 feet in just over 30 seconds while flying over Saudi Arabia during its journey from the UAE to Israel.
The route is commonly used by Israeli travellers.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances of the cockpit incident, the aircraft’s diversion and the suspect’s possible motives. Authorities have not yet released their final findings.
