UAE Says Flydubai Co-Pilot Used Crash Axe in Attempted ‘Terrorist Act’

A Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft approaches Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport. UAE authorities say the co-pilot of Flydubai Flight FZ1073 attacked the captain with a cockpit crash axe and attempted to seize control of the Israel-bound aircraft on September 30, 2026. Photo: AFP

Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked captain inside cockpit and tried to seize aircraft controls on Israel-bound flight; UAE investigation continues into motive and possible links

Key Highlights

• UAE authorities say the co-pilot of Flydubai Flight FZ1073 attacked the captain with a cockpit crash axe.
• The UAE Attorney-General has described the incident as an attempted “terrorist act.”
• The aircraft was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
• Sources familiar with the investigation identified the co-pilot as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national.
• Passengers and crew intervened and the aircraft subsequently landed safely at Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
• Investigators are still examining the motive, circumstances and any possible links connected to the incident.

Abu Dhabi/Cairo: The United Arab Emirates has disclosed new details about the violent cockpit incident aboard an Israel-bound Flydubai flight, saying the co-pilot attacked the captain with an emergency crash axe and attempted to seize control of the aircraft.

UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said investigators had concluded that the co-pilot began executing a plan during the flight by attacking the captain inside the flight deck and attempting to take control of the aircraft’s flight controls.

The UAE authorities have characterised the incident as an attempted “terrorist act”, while stressing that the investigation remains under way to establish the full circumstances, motive and any links associated with the attack. Technical examinations and analysis of physical and digital evidence are also continuing.

The incident occurred aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was flying from Dubai International Airport to Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport on September 30.

The flight was diverted and made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority initially described what happened as a “security incident” and confirmed that some crew members were injured.

People familiar with the investigation have identified the accused co-pilot as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national. UAE authorities, however, did not publicly name him in the Attorney-General’s statement.

Passengers and other crew members intervened during the emergency and the co-pilot was subdued. The aircraft, which was carrying more than 170 people, eventually landed safely in Saudi Arabia.

The UAE is leading the investigation, and authorities have said the final findings will be announced after the necessary investigative procedures and examinations are completed.