A FlyDubai flight nearly crashed after the co-pilot attacked the captain with an axe, authorities in the UAE said. The incident occurred on a flight bound for Tel Aviv. The co-pilot allegedly attempted to take control of the aircraft during the flight. The UAE’s Federal Prosecutor, Hamad Saif Al-Shamsi, stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances and motives behind the attack. The co-pilot used a crash axe to assault the captain inside the cockpit. The flight was diverted to an unknown location, though details remain unclear. The UAE has not yet released the name of the pilot or co-pilot involved.
The incident has raised concerns about aviation security. The co-pilot is currently in custody. The UAE has not confirmed whether the attack was motivated by terrorism or other factors. The flight was part of a regular service between Dubai and Tel Aviv. Passengers on the flight were reportedly unharmed. The incident has led to a temporary suspension of commercial travel between Israel and the UAE.
This is not the first time FlyDubai has faced security issues. In 2021, a similar incident occurred on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, where a passenger was detained for attempted sabotage. The current case has prompted renewed scrutiny of cockpit security protocols. The UAE has not yet announced any changes to its aviation regulations. The co-pilot’s motive remains under investigation. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring safety in commercial aviation.
