Overview
- Investigators say the copilot attacked the captain with an onboard emergency axe and tried to seize control of Flydubai flight FZ1073, which then made an emergency diversion and landing in Tabuk.
- The wounded captain, Smit Machchhar, opened the cockpit door while the jet was descending so crew and passengers could enter and subdue the attacker before two reserve pilots flew the plane to safety.
- Emirati prosecutors on Saturday declared the episode an attempted terrorist act and confirmed the use of the aircraft's emergency axe during the assault.
- Multiple outlets identify the suspect as Hamam al‑Hammami, an Omani national who reportedly had been barred from flying in Oman after authorities found extremist material, and who was detained in Saudi Arabia then transferred to Abu Dhabi.
- Flight data show a very rapid loss of altitude of about 17,000 feet in roughly a minute, and authorities from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel are examining vetting, authorization procedures and any external links as the probe continues.