UAE Prosecutor Confirms Flydubai Hijacking Attempt as Terrorist Act

The co-pilot of a Flydubai flight, FZ1073, attempted a "terrorist" attack during the flight, the UAE's Attorney General, Counselor Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, stated on Saturday, according to the official WAM news agency. This is the first time Emirati authorities have officially classified the incident as a "terrorist" hijacking attempt. Sources familiar with the matter confirmed to Reuters that the co-pilot is Hammam Al-Hammami, an Omani national. The Attorney General detailed that Al-Hammami attacked the captain in the cockpit with an emergency axe, a tool meant for crew use in emergencies, and then tried to seize control of the aircraft. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances, the perpetrator's motives, and any potential accomplices, as well as to analyze material and digital evidence. Final conclusions will be released after all procedures are completed.

Israeli security officials traveled to the UAE to interrogate the suspect, Reuters reported Friday, though the specific agency involved was not disclosed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the incident Friday, suggesting the hijacking attempt could have led to "a catastrophe on the scale of 9/11." He stated on X that the Omani pilot had become "radicalized in Islamism" and "intended to crash the plane with all passengers aboard." Netanyahu added, "We are now seeking to find out if he was sent by someone, and those who sent him will pay dearly."