The co-pilot of a flydubai flight from the UAE to Israel attempted to carry out a "terrorist attack" with an axe during the flight, according to the UAE prosecutor general, Hamad Saif Al Shamsi. The incident occurred on flight FZ1073, which was bound for Israel with over 170 passengers and crew on board. The co-pilot, identified as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national, attacked the captain in the cockpit with a crash axe.
The attack was foiled when passengers and crew subdued the co-pilot, and a reserve flydubai pilot took control of the aircraft, landing it safely at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia. The co-pilot was detained by Saudi authorities and later transferred to Abu Dhabi. The UAE is leading the investigation into the incident, which is ongoing. Israeli officials have also been involved in the investigation, with the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that they are looking into whether the co-pilot acted under anyone's direction.
The co-pilot's motives are still unclear, but the incident has been described as an attempted terrorist attack by Emirati investigators. The UAE prosecutor general's statement is the first official confirmation of the nature of the incident. Anwar Gargash, a senior adviser to the UAE president, has stated that the Gulf country has zero tolerance for terrorism and will show no leniency towards extremist rhetoric.
The flight, which was operated by flydubai, an airline owned by Dubai's government, had mostly Israeli nationals on board. The airline has stated that the circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation and that it is not in a position to comment further. Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has confirmed that the co-pilot had undergone training with them in 2025, but his application to work there was rejected.
The incident has raised questions about the security of flights to Israel, particularly given the fact that the co-pilot was an Omani national. Israel does not have official diplomatic relations with Oman, and Netanyahu has stated that pilots from such countries are not permitted to operate flights to Israel. It is unclear how the co-pilot came to be assigned to the flight to Tel Aviv.
The aircraft experienced a significant drop in altitude during the incident, dropping around 16,625 feet in just over 30 seconds while flying over Saudi Arabia. The route is popular among Israeli travellers, and the incident has highlighted the need for vigilance and cooperation between countries to prevent such incidents.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with Emirati authorities working alongside Israeli investigators. The findings will be released once the necessary procedures have been completed. The incident has been widely condemned, and the UAE has reiterated its commitment to taking a strong stance against terrorism.
Key points
- The co-pilot, Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national, attempted to carry out a "terrorist attack" with an axe on flight FZ1073.
- The incident was foiled by passengers and crew, and the co-pilot was detained by Saudi authorities.
- The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with Emirati authorities working alongside Israeli investigators.
