The UAE prosecutor general has said a FlyDubai co-pilot attacked the pilot inside the cockpit with a crash axe and attempted to seize control of the aircraft, describing the incident as an attempted 'terrorist' act.
Key facts
- The UAE prosecutor general said a FlyDubai co-pilot attacked the pilot with a crash axe, according to CNBC.
- The co-pilot attempted to take control of the aircraft, authorities said.
- UAE authorities characterized the incident as an attempted 'terrorist' attack, according to Al Jazeera.
- The accounts were reported on October 3, 2026.
The United Arab Emirates has described an attack by a FlyDubai co-pilot on the pilot of an aircraft as an attempted ‘terrorist’ act, according to statements from the country’s prosecutor general.
The co-pilot attacked the pilot inside the cockpit with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft, the UAE prosecutor general said, as reported by CNBC.
Al Jazeera reported the same characterization, noting that the UAE said the FlyDubai co-pilot had attempted a ‘terrorist’ attack.
Both reports were published on October 3, 2026. The available source material does not specify when the incident itself occurred, the flight’s route, the number of people on board, or the outcome for the crew and passengers.
The sources also do not provide the identity of the co-pilot or the pilot, nor details of how the attack was stopped or what charges, if any, have been filed. Honest Abe News will update this report as further verified details become available.
Why it matters
An in-flight attack on a pilot by a crew member raises serious questions about cockpit security and crew vetting on commercial airlines. The UAE's framing of the event as an attempted terrorist act signals a potential criminal and security investigation with implications for aviation safety.
Frequently asked questions
What did the FlyDubai co-pilot do?
According to the UAE prosecutor general, cited by CNBC, the co-pilot attacked the pilot inside the cockpit with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
How have UAE authorities described the incident?
UAE authorities have described the incident as an attempted 'terrorist' act, according to reports from CNBC and Al Jazeera.
When was this reported?
The reports were published on October 3, 2026. The source material does not specify the exact date or details of the incident itself.