Flydubai co-pilot attacked pilot with axe, attempted 'terrorist' attack, UAE says

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A plane, carrying passengers who were on the FlyDubai aircraft bound for Israel from the United Arab Emirates, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia following an emergency signal, arrives at the Ben Gurion International Airport, in Lod, near Tel Aviv, Israel, September 30, 2026. REUTERS/Ammar Awad

The co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 attempted to carry out a "terrorist" attack during the flight, the United Arab Emirates prosecutor general said on Saturday, according to the state news agency WAM.

The co-pilot attacked the pilot inside the cockpit with an axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft, the prosecutor general said.

A handout image of Smit Machchhar, an Indian national and flydubai pilot who was stabbed by a colleague aboard a plane, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as they talk during a video call, released October 2, 2026. India's Press Information Bureau/Handout via REUTERS

Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the incident, the motives and any related connections, as well as to examine physical and digital evidence, he added. —Reuters