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UAE prosecutor calls Flydubai cockpit attack attempted terrorism

The UAE prosecutor general has described the attack on Flydubai flight FZ1073 as an attempted terrorist act, saying the co-pilot used a crash axe against the captain and tried to seize the controls. This official assessment is a new step in the investigation of the September 30 incident. The inquiry into motives, connections and technical evidence remains open.

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An analyst examines a transparent evidence pouch beside a closed file in a bright room with a UAE flag.

Prosecutor announces a new assessment

UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said on October 3 that the attack aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 was an attempted terrorist act. He alleged that the co-pilot used the aircraft’s emergency axe against the captain and tried to seize the controls. The official characterisation adds a new development to the inquiry into the September 30 cockpit assault.[1], [2]

Physical and digital evidence is being examined for motives and possible connections. The statement is the prosecution’s assessment; it does not establish an independently verified link to a terrorist organisation.[1]

Passengers intervene before diversion to Tabuk

The Dubai–Tel Aviv flight carried 174 passengers. Injured captain Smit Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and cabin crew to subdue the co-pilot. Two reserve pilots travelling aboard took control and diverted the aircraft to Tabuk, in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities detained the suspect and later transferred him to the UAE.[1]

Airlines suspend Israel–Dubai services

Flydubai suspended its Israel services after the incident, while El Al paused Dubai flights. Arkia operated a return flight for passengers on Friday. The prosecutor’s announcement concerns the alleged attack and investigation; definitive motives and organisational connections remain unresolved.[1]

References

  1. News sourceAl JazeeraUAE prosecutor characterises Flydubai attack as attempted terrorism↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourceEl PaísFlydubai inquiry adds prosecutor’s attempted-terrorism assessment↩
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