# UAE Calls FlyDubai Co-Pilot’s Cockpit Attack an Attempted Terrorist Act

By Simon Yoon

Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/technology/26565
Published: 2026-10-03T12:38:01.000Z
Updated: 2026-10-03T12:38:01.000Z
Section: Technology

> The co-pilot used a crash axe against the captain during a Sept. 30 flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, and tried to take control of the plane.

The United Arab Emirates characterized a co-pilot’s attack on the captain of a FlyDubai flight as an attempted terrorist act, bringing a cockpit security incident on a route to Israel into focus as investigators examine the case.

UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the co-pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe inside the cockpit and attempted to seize control of the aircraft. The flight, bound from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Sept. 30, had 172 passengers and crew aboard.

The plane diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely. The captain was taken to a hospital there and later returned to the UAE. Passengers and crew subdued the co-pilot.

Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances and motive, and are analyzing physical and digital evidence. The probe remains ongoing.