On October 3, 2026, the Prosecutor General of the United Arab Emirates, Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, disclosed the findings of the investigation into the incident involving FlyDubai flight FZ1073. According to Al Shamsi, the probe revealed that the co-pilot of the aircraft had planned and attempted to carry out a terrorist act during the flight. The co-pilot assaulted the captain of the plane in the cockpit using an emergency axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft's controls.

The incident occurred on a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to an unspecified destination. The Prosecutor General's statement did not provide further details on the motivations behind the co-pilot's actions or any potential connections to external entities. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to uncover all aspects of the incident, including the co-pilot's motivations and any possible links to terrorist organizations.

The UAE authorities have taken the incident seriously, with the Prosecutor General's office working closely with relevant agencies to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The investigation involves reviewing data from the aircraft's flight recorders, as well as examining physical and digital evidence collected from the scene.

The incident has raised concerns about aviation security and the potential for insider threats. The UAE government has assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the continued safety of air travel. The incident is being closely monitored by international authorities, including aviation regulators and law enforcement agencies.

On the same day, other news from around the world included the temporary closure of Vilnius Airport in Lithuania due to a suspected drone sighting. The airport was reopened after a brief period, and authorities reported that no drone was found.

In Pakistan, security forces announced that they had killed 11 terrorists in separate operations. The terrorists were reportedly supported by external entities, and the operations were part of a broader effort to combat terrorism in the region.

The incident on FlyDubai flight FZ1073 highlights the importance of robust security measures in the aviation industry. The UAE authorities' swift response and commitment to a thorough investigation have been welcomed by the international community. The Prosecutor General's office will continue to work closely with relevant agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Key points

  • The UAE Prosecutor General announced that the co-pilot of FlyDubai flight FZ1073 had planned and attempted to carry out a terrorist act during the flight.
  • The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities working to uncover the motivations behind the co-pilot's actions and any potential connections to external entities.
  • The incident has raised concerns about aviation security and the potential for insider threats, prompting a review of security measures in the industry.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.