Flydubai co-pilot attacked captain with crash axe, UAE calls incident 'terrorist attack'
UAE authorities say the co-pilot attacked the captain and tried to take control of the Israel-bound flight carrying 182 people; passengers and crew intervened
The UAE authorities on Saturday (October 3) said that the co-pilot of the FlyDubai flight carrying 182 people attacked the captain with the cockpit’s crash axe and tried to take control of the aircraft, describing the incident as a “terrorist attack”.
According to an AP report citing a statement by the UAE Attorney General, the attack took place on Wednesday (September 30) on the Israel-bound flight. Passengers and crew members intervened after the co-pilot attacked the captain, helping regain control of the aircraft.
Co-pilot identified
The co-pilot suspected in the incident has been identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, AP reported, citing three people familiar with the case, including a Gulf diplomat and a Western diplomat.
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The report further stated that they spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to discuss the investigation.
Probe examines suspect's possible links
The Gulf diplomat said investigators were trying to establish whether the suspect had acted as a “lone wolf or has any connection with any extremist groups."
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The report further stated that Oman had previously barred the co-pilot from flying over concerns that he had adopted extremist views.
The UAE statement said the co-pilot attempted to take control of the aircraft during the attack. Passengers and crew then intervened to restrain him and help stabilise the flight.
Passengers intervene to stop attack
The incident involved a FlyDubai aircraft travelling towards Israel. The attack was stopped after people aboard the flight entered the cockpit and confronted the co-pilot.
The case is now being examined by authorities as they seek to establish what led to the attack and whether the suspect had any links to extremist groups.
The reported concerns about the co-pilot in Oman are also being examined as part of the inquiry. Authorities are expected to release further details as the investigation into the cockpit attack continues.