![[NIR KEIDAR / ANADOLU / Anadolu via AFP]](/cdn-cgi/image/onerror=redirect,width=640,height=640,format=webp/https://storage.googleapis.com/uploads.mongoosehq.com/url/media/184799368/2201358868e29240beb93c5f3c28cb9bf0b2d31aec16a713276c205f09634c5d)
Overview
- Flight crew and passengers overpowered the copilot after he assaulted the captain and tried to take control of the aircraft during a flight to Tel Aviv, forcing an emergency diversion to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- UAE prosecutors announced that the copilot began to carry out a planned terrorist act by attacking the captain with a cockpit emergency axe and attempting to seize the controls, and the probe is ongoing.
- Reports from multiple international outlets identify the accused as Hammam Al‑Hammami and say Omani authorities had previously barred him from flying over security concerns linked to possible radicalization.
- The plane, carrying 174 people, plunged and sent emergency codes before it made a safe emergency landing in Tabuk and both pilots were transferred to UAE authorities for further questioning.
- Authorities are expected to bring criminal charges and conduct wider security reviews as investigators seek motive, review the copilot’s recent movements and any prior alerts from other states.