Flydubai flight FZ1073 attacked by assistant pilot with axe, lands safely in Saudi Arabia
Based on · First reported · Updated
Sources
- On a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, an Omani‑national assistant pilot attacked the captain with an emergency axe and tried to seize the aircraft’s controls.
- The aircraft lost altitude after the assault, with one report stating a loss of 5,200 metres about two and a half hours after take‑off and another reporting a loss of roughly 17,000 feet in less than two minutes. Passengers, including an Israeli plumber, and two reserve pilots regained control and the plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
- UAE prosecutors and the Attorney General said investigations are underway to determine the circumstances and motives, with Israeli officials also expected to take part in questioning the assistant pilot.
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