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

Flydubai co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national, was accused by the UAE prosecutor general of attempting a “terrorist” attack onboard flight FZ1073. According to the prosecutor general, the co-pilot attacked the pilot inside the cockpit with a crash axe, a tool typically kept for emergency use, and tried to take control of the aircraft. The incident was reportedly averted after passengers and crew subdued him following an emergency signal that diverted the flight to Saudi Arabia. UAE authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances, motives, and any physical or digital evidence. Reuters reported the remarks as the first by Emirati authorities to describe it as a terrorist attempt.