Flydubai pilot attacked captain with cockpit’s crash axe in attempted terrorist attack, UAE official says

Live updates

1. 58m ago

   Flydubai Co-Pilot Arrested After Cockpit Axe Attack

   A Flydubai co-pilot attacked the flight captain with a cockpit crash axe and tried to take control of an Israel-bound aircraft in an incident authorities describe as an attempted terrorist attack. Passengers and crew intervened during the flight, which was carrying four pilots aboard a 737 MAX 8. United Arab Emirates officials confirmed the assault. President Trump warned Iran of fresh strikes if Tehran is found to be involved in the incident. Investigators are currently examining the attacker's motives and potential background links.

   Why it matters

   The incident introduces additional turbulence to an already active political season in Israel. Aviation security protocols are facing intense scrutiny after it was revealed that the suspect had previously been flagged or banned over radical views. The attacker operated as a lone wolf extremist according to reports, raising questions about how he cleared airline vetting.

   What is confirmed

   • A Flydubai co-pilot attacked the flight captain inside the cockpit with a crash axe in an attempted terrorist attack.
   • The UAE prosecutor general and other UAE officials confirmed the first officer tried to take control of the aircraft.
   • The suspect is identified as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national.
   • President Trump warned Iran of fresh strikes if Tehran is involved in the incident.
   • The flight involved was an Israel-bound Flydubai service.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The suspect had been banned from flying by Oman or removed by another airline over extremist views.
   • The co-pilot planned to crash the plane into Tel Aviv airport or a building.
   • Crew members clashed with passengers demanding the tied-up pilot be freed.

   What to watch next

   • Results of official investigations into the suspect's potential extremist ties and motives
   • Decisions regarding international aviation security protocol over-hauls following the incident
   • Official diplomatic or security updates regarding potential Iranian involvement
   Sources used for this update (19)

   1. washingtonpost.com — FlyDubai attack adds tumult to already turbulent Israeli election season
   2. Fox News — Trump warns Iran of fresh strikes if Tehran involved in FlyDubai plane incident
   3. The New York Times — The Mother’s Scream That Sent Passengers to the Rescue
   4. The New York Times — Why Were 4 Pilots Aboard FlyDubai Flight 1073?
   5. CNN — The Flydubai attack suspect was removed by another airline over concerns about his extremist views, sources say
   6. WSJ — FlyDubai Co-Pilot Used Crash Ax in Attack, Says U.A.E.
   7. WSJ — Exclusive | FlyDubai Attacker Had Been Banned From Flying by Oman for Radical Views
   8. NBC News — Flydubai pilot attacked captain with cockpit’s crash axe in attempted terrorist attack, UAE says
   9. ABC7 Los Angeles — FlyDubai incident suspect: Israel-bound flight co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, Omani national, had been flagged over extremism concerns
   10. Reuters — Minutes from disaster: inside flydubai 1073's plunge
   11. The Detroit News — Flydubai co-pilot attacked pilot with axe in attempted 'terrorist attack', UAE says
   12. New York Post — Exclusive | Crew of hijacked plane clashed with heroic Israeli passengers, demanded tied-up terror pilot be freed
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