Flydubai Co-Pilot Planned Terrorist Act, Attacked Captain: UAE

News Desk

DUBAI:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities have revealed that a flydubai co-pilot on a flight bound for Israel planned to commit a “terrorist act” by attacking the captain with an emergency axe in mid-air.

According to UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the suspect attempted to seize control of the aircraft during the flight before being subdued, prompting an immediate diversion and a high-level international security investigation.

The official UAE news agency, WAM, reported on Saturday that initial findings confirm the co-pilot, identified as Omani national H., actively sought to execute a terror plot inside the cockpit.

“The co-pilot had attempted to carry out a terrorist act and had attacked the captain in the cockpit with the emergency axe and tried to take control of the aircraft,” Al Shamsi stated.

Investigations further revealed that the suspect had previously been barred from flying in neighboring Oman due to extreme security concerns regarding his radicalized views.

This unprecedented security breach has sent shockwaves through the global aviation industry, raising urgent questions about pilot screening processes and mental health evaluations.

The incident highlights the critical vulnerabilities in cockpit security, especially concerning insider threats.

Aviation experts warn that the event could lead to stricter international vetting protocols for flight crews across the Middle East and tighter coordination between regional intelligence agencies to monitor blacklisted personnel.

Moving forward, the UAE prosecution services, in coordination with international aviation watchdogs and Omani authorities, are conducting a comprehensive joint investigation into the co-pilot’s background and extremist links.

Security agencies are expected to review cockpit access protocols and emergency tool storage regulations to prevent similar insider attacks in the future, while flydubai faces intense scrutiny over its hiring and vetting procedures.