Abu Dhabi (HRNW)- The United Arab Emirates has classified the incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, as an attempted terrorist act, following preliminary findings by Emirati investigators.
UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the investigation found that the co-pilot began carrying out a plan during the flight by attacking the captain inside the cockpit with a crash axe and attempting to seize control of the aircraft.
The incident occurred on September 30, when the aircraft was en route from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv. The attack caused the plane to enter a sharp descent, but passengers and crew members intervened and helped subdue the co-pilot, while the captain and other crew members worked to regain control of the aircraft. The plane was subsequently diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
The UAE Public Prosecution said investigations are continuing to establish the full circumstances of the incident, determine the suspect’s motives and identify any possible connections or prior planning. Authorities are also examining physical and digital evidence before issuing final findings.
Earlier, UAE authorities had called for the public to avoid speculation while investigators examined whether the incident was connected to terrorist activity or involved advance planning. The latest statement represents the first official confirmation that investigators consider the incident an attempted terrorist act.
According to international reporting, the aircraft was carrying 182 people when the incident occurred. The captain was injured during the attack, while both the captain and co-pilot were later transferred to the UAE after the emergency landing. Investigators from several countries are assisting the UAE inquiry, while the exact motive remains under investigation.
The incident has raised questions about aviation security and the vetting of cockpit crew, while authorities continue examining the suspect’s background and whether anyone else was involved.
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