Flydubai co-pilot attacked pilot with axe, attempted 'terrorist' attack, UAE says

OCTOBER 3, 2026 09:20Updated: OCTOBER 3, 2026 09:39The co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 attempted to carry out a "terrorist" attack during the flight, the United Arab Emirates prosecutor general, Counselor Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, said on Saturday, according to the state news agency WAM.The co-pilot, who Reuters has confirmed, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter, is Omani national Hammam Al-hammami, attacked the pilot inside the cockpit with a crash axe, a hand tool to aid aircraft crewmembers in emergencies, and attempted to take control of the aircraft, the prosecutor general said.Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the incident, the motives, and any related connections, as well as to examine physical and digital evidence, he added.The final results will be announced upon the conclusion of all necessary procedures.This is a developing story. Follow us on Google