UAE prosecutor general labels Flydubai cockpit assault an attempted terrorist attack
Investigators are examining the alleged assault on the captain, the co-pilot’s motives and any possible connections.
The United Arab Emirates prosecutor general has described an alleged cockpit assault aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 as an attempted “terrorist” attack. The comments, reported by France 24 and attributed to state news agency WAM, were the first public characterisation of the incident in those terms by Emirati authorities.
The prosecutor general said the co-pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe and tried to take control of the aircraft during the 30 September flight. Passengers and crew subdued the suspect, and the plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Investigators are examining the circumstances, motive and possible connections, as well as physical and digital evidence. The investigation is ongoing, and no motive or connections have been established in the supplied reporting.
Reuters identified the suspect as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, citing a source with direct knowledge of the matter. UAE authorities had not confirmed his identity at the time of the France 24 report.
Media reports have also claimed that Oman barred him from flying or removed him from an airline job over concerns about alleged extremist views. Those claims have not been established by the investigation in the supplied reporting.
