Co-pilot attacks captain with axe on flyDubai Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, UAE calls it attempted terror act

A shocking incident aboard a flyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv has again raised the question of aircraft safety. On September 30, the co-pilot attacked the captain in the cockpit of flight FZ1073.

The UAE's investigating agency has now described the incident as an "attempted terrorist act". More than 170 passengers and crew members were on board. After the incident, the aircraft was diverted and made an emergency landing at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.

According to the UAE Attorney General, the co-pilot struck the captain with the emergency axe kept in the cockpit while the aircraft was in the air. The investigation has also found that he then tried to take control of the aircraft.

The attack led to a fierce struggle in the cockpit and seriously affected the flight of the aircraft. The plane began descending rapidly, causing panic among the passengers.

The captain was injured, but still managed to open the cockpit door. Crew members and some passengers then rushed forward and overpowered the co-pilot. A reserve pilot on the flight took charge of the situation. The aircraft was then landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia. Flight data shows the aircraft had dropped thousands of feet during the incident.

UAE officials are looking into what the actual motive for the attack was. Whether the co-pilot acted on someone's instructions, and whether he had any possible links, are also part of the questioning. Analysis of technical evidence, physical evidence and digital information is continuing.

The final findings will be announced once the investigation is complete. Meanwhile, flyDubai has suspended for now some flights to and from Israel following the incident. The incident has also raised questions about cockpit security and background checks on pilots.