UAE says flydubai co-pilot attempted 'terrorist act'

· Security · United Arab Emirates · Israel

The co-pilot of an Israel-bound flydubai flight attacked the captain with a crash axe and tried to seize control, the UAE attorney general said. The flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia; the suspect was reportedly barred from flying in Oman over security concerns.

Why it matters：A confirmed attempt to seize an airliner bound for Israel would deepen aviation-security scrutiny across the Gulf and raise alarm over insider threats.

Key points

  • The attack occurred inside the cockpit during flight FZ1073
  • The aircraft diverted to Saudi Arabia
  • The suspect had reportedly been barred from flying in Oman

Sources (original reporting)

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