World · India Bureau
UAE says FlyDubai co-pilot launched 'terrorist attack' on captain with axe
United Arab Emirates authorities have characterised an attack on a FlyDubai flight as a 'terrorist attack' after the co-pilot allegedly assaulted the captain with a cockpit emergency axe. The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard a flight carrying 182 passengers and crew en route to Israel.
LSN India ·
The UAE's attorney general confirmed that the co-pilot attacked the captain during the incident, which also involved an attempt to seize control of the aircraft, according to an official statement issued on Saturday.
Passengers and crew members intervened swiftly to restrain the co-pilot and regain control of the aircraft, preventing a potential catastrophe. The timely intervention by those aboard prevented the situation from escalating further, stabilising the plane during the critical period.
The FlyDubai flight was en route to Tel Aviv when the incident unfolded. Authorities in the UAE have classified the attack as a terrorist act, marking a serious breach of aviation security protocols and passenger safety aboard the aircraft.
The co-pilot remains in custody as investigations continue into the motive behind the attack and the circumstances that led to the assault on the captain. The incident has reignited concerns about cockpit security measures and crew member vetting procedures within the aviation industry across the region.