UAE Says FlyDubai Co-Pilot's Cockpit Attack Was Attempted 'Terrorist' Act

The United Arab Emirates has described an attack by a FlyDubai co-pilot on the aircraft's pilot as an attempted "terrorist" act, according to the country's prosecutor general.

Officials said the co-pilot attacked the pilot inside the cockpit using a crash axe, a tool typically kept on board for emergency use, and attempted to seize control of the aircraft during the incident. Further details about the flight's origin, destination, how the situation was ultimately resolved, and whether there were any injuries to passengers or crew beyond the pilot were not fully specified in available reports.

Incidents involving attempted hijackings or violent incidents in aircraft cockpits are rare and typically trigger extensive investigations by aviation safety and security authorities, given the serious safety implications for passengers and crew. Airlines generally maintain strict protocols governing cockpit access and crew conduct specifically to prevent this type of incident.

The UAE's characterization of the act as "terrorist" in nature suggests that authorities view the incident as motivated by an intent to cause broader harm or disruption, rather than, for example, a personal dispute between crew members, though the specific motive has not been publicly detailed.

FlyDubai and UAE aviation authorities are expected to conduct a full investigation into the incident, and legal proceedings against the co-pilot are likely to follow given the prosecutor general's public comments on the case.