On October 3, 2026, the UAE's Public Prosecutor, Hamad Saif Al-Shamisi, announced that the co-pilot of FlyDubai flight FZ1073 had attempted to carry out a terrorist act by attacking the captain with an emergency axe and trying to take control of the plane's controls. This incident occurred on September 30, 2026, during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
According to Al-Shamisi, the co-pilot's actions were part of an attempted terrorist act, and the investigation is ongoing to determine the motives and any potential links. The flight, operated by FlyDubai, had passengers on board and was forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk. The incident has raised concerns about airline safety and the potential for terrorist acts on commercial flights.
Royal Moroccan Airlines has issued a statement denying reports that the co-pilot had previously worked for the airline. The airline stated that the co-pilot had only undergone three months of theoretical training in 2025 as part of a potential recruitment process, but was not hired and did not perform any actual flying duties for the airline.
The incident has led to a temporary suspension of FlyDubai flights to Tel Aviv, with the airline working to assist affected passengers and provide alternative arrangements. The UAE authorities have taken a strong stance on the incident, with the Public Prosecutor's office working closely with international partners to investigate the incident and determine the co-pilot's motives.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities working to analyze evidence and determine the circumstances surrounding the co-pilot's actions. The incident has raised concerns about airline safety and the potential for terrorist acts on commercial flights, and has sparked a renewed focus on security measures and protocols.
FlyDubai's CEO, Ghaith Al-Ghith, has expressed gratitude to the crew and passengers who assisted during the incident, and has assured that the airline is working closely with authorities to determine the cause of the incident. The airline has also announced that it will provide support to affected passengers and work to restore normal operations as soon as possible.
The incident highlights the importance of robust security measures and protocols in the aviation industry, and the need for continued cooperation and information-sharing between airlines, governments, and security agencies to prevent and respond to potential threats. The investigation into the incident is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with further updates and findings to be announced as they become available.
Key points
- The UAE's Public Prosecutor has stated that the co-pilot of FlyDubai flight FZ1073 attempted to carry out a terrorist act by attacking the captain with an emergency axe.
- Royal Moroccan Airlines has denied reports that the co-pilot had previously worked for the airline, stating that he had only undergone theoretical training as part of a potential recruitment process.
- The incident has led to a temporary suspension of FlyDubai flights to Tel Aviv, with the airline working to assist affected passengers and provide alternative arrangements.
