A Flydubai co-pilot attempted to seize control of a plane en route to Israel, according to UAE authorities. The incident occurred on flight FZ1073, which was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a crash axe during the flight. Passengers managed to overpower the co-pilot and help regain control of the aircraft.
The UAE Prosecutor-General, Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, described the incident as a “terrorist act.” The co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, was reportedly linked to Al-Qaeda. Israeli officials are investigating how he was hired by the airline. The co-pilot had studied in Australia and was issued a student visa in 2014. He attended university there from 2015 to 2017.
Australian authorities are also examining the co-pilot’s links to the country. State police and the country’s security agency are looking into his background. The co-pilot is alleged to have had ties to extremist groups. The UAE has confirmed that the attack was premeditated.
The incident has raised concerns about aviation security. The co-pilot was a Omani national. Israeli officials are working with UAE authorities to understand how the co-pilot was hired. The co-pilot was subdued by passengers during the flight. The incident has prompted calls for increased security measures on international flights.
