UAE prosecutor says flydubai co-pilot used a crash axe in an attempted 'terrorist attack'
3 October 2026
The United Arab Emirates prosecutor general said on Saturday 3 October that the co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 used a crash axe to attempt a 'terrorist attack' during the flight.
The Israel-bound flight from Dubai had 182 people on board when the attack happened on Wednesday.
The prosecutor general said the co-pilot also tried to take control of the plane.
Passengers and crew intervened to subdue the co-pilot and stabilise the plane, which plunged sharply.
UAE investigators are working to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
Flight:
flydubai FZ1073, Israel-bound from Dubai
People on board:
182
Weapon used:
crash axe
Statement by:
UAE prosecutor general
Why it matters for exams: Aviation security and cross-border investigations are recurring topics, and the flight links two states that normalised ties in 2020.
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In plain words
Crash axe Cockpit crash axe — A tool typically kept in the cockpit for use in emergencies.