Flydubai Co-Pilot Accused of Attempting ‘Terrorist Act’ During Israel Bound Flight

ABU DHABI, UAE — The United Arab Emirates has classified a serious incident aboard a flydubai flight bound for Israel as an attempted terrorist act, following an investigation into an altercation inside the aircraft's cockpit.

UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said initial investigations found that the co-pilot had attempted to execute a planned attack during flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv.

According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the co-pilot attacked the captain inside the cockpit and attempted to take control of the aircraft's flight controls.

The incident occurred on September 30 while the aircraft was travelling toward Israel. The flight was subsequently diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, after crew members and others on board intervened to bring the situation under control.

The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority said some crew members were injured during the incident and received medical treatment in Saudi Arabia. The authority later confirmed that the captain had returned safely to the UAE and was receiving medical care.

Al Shamsi said investigators are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including the co-pilot's motives and any possible links associated with the attack. Authorities are also examining physical and digital evidence as part of the investigation.

The attorney-general said the final findings would be released once all necessary investigative procedures have been completed.

The UAE had initially described the incident as a security event and cautioned the public against circulating unverified information while investigators worked to establish what happened.

The incident has raised renewed questions about aviation security and the safeguards surrounding cockpit access, particularly on international flights operating amid heightened regional tensions.

For now, authorities have confirmed the attempted attack classification but say the investigation into the wider circumstances and motives remains ongoing.