UAE probe reveals flydubai co-pilot attempted terrorist act

UAE Attorney-General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said investigations into the incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 revealed that the co-pilot attempted to carry out a terrorist act.

Al Shamsi said the co-pilot attacked the captain inside the flight deck using a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft's flight controls.

The Attorney-General said that investigations are continuing to establish the full circumstances, motives, and any links related to the incident, as well as to complete technical examinations and analysis of physical and digital evidence.

The final results will be announced upon the conclusion of all necessary procedures, he added.

Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia's Tabuk on September 30 after "an altercation occurred in the aircraft’s flight deck while the plane was en route". On-duty flydubai crew travelling on the flight secured the aircraft, which then landed safely in Tabuk.

The airline has temporarily suspended flights to Tel Aviv at the request of authorities, while teams continue assisting affected passengers.

On Friday, flydubai Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaithsaid a full official investigation is being led by the relevant authorities with the support of flydubai, stressing the importance of allowing the process to establish the facts.

He reiterated that safety remains the airline's highest priority and said flydubai is grateful that everyone on board FZ1073 is safe.