Flydubai co-pilot attacks captain with axe; jet lands in Saudi Arabia

· Security · United Arab Emirates · Saudi Arabia

A Flydubai co-pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe on a flight carrying 182 people to Israel, prompting crew members to rush the cockpit and land the plane in Saudi Arabia. Australia is investigating the co-pilot's links to the country.

Why it matters：An apparent attempt to bring down a civilian airliner raises aviation-security and terrorism questions beyond the region.

Key points

  • Crew members rushed into the cockpit to stabilise and land the aircraft.
  • The flight carried 182 people and was bound for Israel.
  • Australian state police and the security agency are looking into the co-pilot.

Sources (original reporting)

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