UAE authorities have said a Flydubai co-pilot tried to carry out a “terrorist act” on a Tel Aviv-bound flight by attacking the captain with a crash axe and attempting to take control of the aircraft.
The finding is the latest development in the investigation into Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia on 30 September after a security incident in the cockpit. All 172 passengers and crew survived.
UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said investigators had concluded that the co-pilot had begun carrying out a planned attack before other crew members intervened.
The investigation is continuing into his motive, possible links to other people or organisations, and evidence recovered from the incident.
What happened on Flydubai flight FZ1073
The flight had left Dubai International Airport for Tel Aviv when the incident began.
According to Flydubai and UAE authorities, a confrontation took place inside the cockpit, forcing the aircraft to divert to Tabuk.
Crew members travelling on the flight helped restrain the co-pilot, while other qualified pilots aboard the aircraft assisted in bringing it safely to the ground.
Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft transmitted an emergency code associated with unlawful interference during the incident. Passengers were later transferred to another aircraft to continue their journey. Flydubai said everyone on board was safe and that the airline was cooperating with the official investigation.
Crash axe raises questions over insider security
One of the central issues in the investigation is how the alleged attack unfolded inside a restricted area of the aircraft.
Authorities said the co-pilot used an emergency crash axe, a piece of safety equipment carried on commercial aircraft. The incident highlights a security problem that is different from a conventional hijacking.
Modern cockpit doors are designed to prevent unauthorised passengers from entering the flight deck, but they offer limited protection when the person posing the threat already has authorised access.
That is likely to increase scrutiny of crew vetting, psychological screening and procedures designed to identify potential insider threats.
Motive and wider links still unclear
Although UAE prosecutors have described the incident as a planned terrorist act, they have not publicly established the suspected motive.
Investigators are also examining whether the co-pilot acted alone or had links to any outside organisation.
Some international reports have published details about the suspect’s nationality and background, but not all of those claims have been officially confirmed.
For that reason, the distinction between verified findings and media reports remains important.
Flydubai has also limited its public comments while the investigation continues.
Why the UAE is leading the investigation
The aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia, but UAE authorities are leading the criminal investigation because Flydubai is an Emirati carrier and the aircraft is registered in the UAE.
Saudi authorities handled the immediate response after the emergency landing and have been cooperating with the investigation.
The case therefore involves several jurisdictions: the flight departed from the UAE, was heading to Israel and made its emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
That cross-border element could also affect how evidence and witness accounts are handled during the investigation.
What happens next
Investigators are expected to continue examining digital evidence, communications, employment records and any possible links involving the suspect.
Authorities may also review whether existing airline security procedures were sufficient and whether additional safeguards are needed for crew members with cockpit access.
The most important unanswered questions are now the suspect’s motive, whether anyone else was involved and whether the incident exposed weaknesses in airline security procedures.
Flydubai cockpit attack puts airline crew security under scrutiny
