The co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073, Hammam al-Hammami from Oman, is accused of attempting a “terrorist attack” during the flight to Israel. The UAE prosecutor general stated that al-Hammami attacked the pilot with a crash axe in a bid to take control of the aircraft. This type of axe is normally kept in the cockpit for emergencies. The UAE is leading the ongoing investigation, looking into the motives and connections related to the incident.
Passengers and crew managed to subdue the co-pilot, preventing a potential disaster. A reserve flydubai pilot on board took control and landed the aircraft safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the co-pilot was arrested by local authorities. The captain and co-pilot returned to Abu Dhabi the following morning after receiving medical clearance.
Flydubai has not commented further as the investigation is still underway. A source indicated that Israeli officials are expected to question al-Hammami in the UAE, participating in the UAE-led investigation to uncover details about the incident. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned that they are exploring whether the co-pilot acted under someone’s direction and noted concerns about possible radical Islamist influences. He suggested that al-Hammami seemed suicidal, though no specific motive has been confirmed. The flight tracked data shows a significant drop in altitude while flying over Saudi Arabia. Most passengers on board were Israeli nationals.
With information from Reuters
