World
UAE says Flydubai co-pilot attacked captain with axe
BBC News··3 Oct
The UAE prosecutor general said the Flydubai co-pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe in what he called a terrorist attack. Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, carrying more than 170 people, plunged 17,000ft before passengers and crew subdued him. Reserve pilots then landed the plane in Saudi Arabia. Israeli officials said the co-pilot is an Omani national.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Passengers on Dubai-Tel Aviv routes face heightened scrutiny while UAE and Israeli investigators review cockpit security.
- Indian nationals can track Capt Smit Machchhar updates through Indian embassy statements in the UAE.
- Airlines may review crash-axe cockpit access after the prosecutor general confirmed the weapon used.
What's Happening
- UAE Prosecutor General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi described the incident as an attempted terrorist attack, per state media WAM.
- The plane squawked emergency then hijacking codes before reserve Flydubai pilots landed it at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
- Investigations continue into motives, physical and digital evidence, and any links to terrorist activity.
How the Flight Was Recovered
- Capt Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, opened the cockpit door after being injured, allowing passengers to enter.
- Israeli passengers including Yaniv Hayun helped restrain the co-pilot and level the aircraft before reserve crew took over.
- Media named the co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami; UAE authorities had not immediately confirmed the identity to Reuters.
all-newstop-stories
