The co-pilot of Flydubai Flight 1073 attacked the captain with a crash axe in the cockpit, attempting a terrorist act, UAE prosecutors stated. Authorities are questioning Smit Machchhar, the captain, and the unnamed co-pilot after Wednesday’s incident. The co-pilot, previously banned from flying by Oman over radicalisation concerns, had been with Flydubai for less than a year.
The captain was stabbed, but the weapon was only confirmed as an axe on Saturday. Investigations continue to determine motives and links. The captain unlocked the cabin door, allowing crew to regain control after the plane fell steeply.
The aircraft, heading to Tel Aviv, landed at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. Passengers were transferred to Tel Aviv, and both pilots were flown to Abu Dhabi under security escort. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the co-pilot underwent Islamist radical indoctrination, though Israel has not released evidence.
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