The United Arab Emirates has detailed 10 key findings from its investigation into an alleged plot by a flydubai co-pilot to seize control of a passenger aircraft and crash it into Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, including two earlier flights to Tel Aviv, an attack on the captain inside the cockpit and security checks that reportedly failed to flag the suspect’s alleged extremist views.
3. Captain allegedly attacked with emergency axe
The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after the cockpit incident and landed safely. The suspect allegedly took the captain by surprise inside the cockpit and attacked him with an emergency axe. UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi announced the findings on October 9, following an investigation into the September 30 incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073, which was scheduled to travel from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The 29-year-old Omani co-pilot allegedly planned to take control of the aircraft and crash it into the airport’s passenger terminal to cause maximum casualties, according to the UAE Public Prosecution.
The captain resisted and attempted to call for help, according to the investigation .
A pilot assigned to the return flight was also travelling on the aircraft. He reportedly noticed the cockpit door opening and closing unusually, approached the cockpit and entered using the access code. He then saw the attack and intervened with a cabin crew member and several passengers, helping rescue the captain and restrain the suspect.
The findings were released through the state news agency Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Authorities said the investigation remains underway.
