UAE says Flydubai co-pilot attempted ‘terrorist act’

The co-pilot on a “Flydubai” flight attempted a “terrorist act” by attacking the captain with a crash axe and trying to seize control of the aircraft, United Arab Emirates Attorney General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi said, according to state news agency WAM.

The incident occurred on Wednesday. Al-Shamsi said investigators were working to establish all the circumstances, motives and related connections, adding that final findings would be announced after the necessary procedures were completed.

Flight FZ1073, carrying 174 passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv, received permission to make an emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

“Flydubai” said earlier that an altercation took place in the flight deck and that crew members secured the aircraft before it diverted safely to Saudi Arabia.