Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have confirmed that the co-pilot of flydubai Flight FZ1073 attempted to carry out a terrorist attack during the flight on September 30. UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al-Shamsi stated that the co-pilot assaulted the captain inside the cockpit with a crash axe and tried to seize control of the aircraft. The plane, carrying more than 170 passengers and crew, was ultimately landed safely at Tabuk airport in north-western Saudi Arabia after other crew members and passengers intervened.
The co-pilot has been identified by sources familiar with the investigation as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national, although Emirati authorities have not officially released his name. Oman has yet to comment on the incident. After the plane landed, Saudi authorities detained the co-pilot. The captain and co-pilot subsequently returned to Abu Dhabi on October 1 following medical clearance, according to the Saudi Interior Ministry.
The UAE is leading the ongoing investigation, which aims to establish the full circumstances, motivations, and any possible links related to the attempted attack. Investigators are examining both physical and digital evidence connected to the case. The Attorney-General emphasized that UAE law applies to crimes committed on board the aircraft, as the plane is registered in the UAE and flies the UAE flag—meaning the investigation falls under UAE jurisdiction even though the incident occurred outside its territory.
Flydubai, owned by Dubai’s government, has stated that it cannot comment further as investigations continue. Israeli officials have expressed concern about the incident and have reportedly been involved in reviewing the situation. A source familiar with the probe indicated that Israeli officials are expected to question the co-pilot in the UAE. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on October 2 that Israel is investigating whether the co-pilot acted under instruction and warned that anyone found responsible would face severe consequences.
The incident marks the first time Emirati authorities publicly characterized the event as an attempted terrorist act aboard a commercial flight. Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation and to wait for the completion of investigative procedures before drawing conclusions. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover further details about the motive and any potential connections behind the co-pilot’s actions.