UAE says flydubai co-pilot attacked captain with cockpit axe in terrorist act

The United Arab Emirates formally classified a midair altercation aboard a regional passenger flight as an attempted terrorist act, confirming that the first officer assaulted the captain with a cockpit crash axe according to Khaama. The announcement marks a critical escalation in the official characterization of the September 30 flight, which plunged thousands of feet over Saudi airspace before crew members and passengers intervened.

According to updates released by UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the co-pilot began executing a pre-planned operation during the journey as reported by Air Data News. The flight, operated by Dubai-based flydubai, was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the violence erupted inside the flight deck.

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

Flight data reviewed by CNBC shows that the Boeing 737 MAX 8 dropped dramatically, plunging more than 16,000 feet in roughly 30 seconds. Transponder records captured extreme vertical velocity spikes ranging from negative thirty thousand to positive ten thousand feet per minute before the aircraft eventually stabilized.

The injured captain, identified by Indian and Emirati officials as Smit Machchhar, sustained severe stab wounds and head trauma during the confrontation. Speaking from a hospital bed in Abu Dhabi in a video call released by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Machchhar recounted that he sensed the aircraft descending rapidly and forced himself to make one last push against the cockpit door according to NBC News. That action allowed passengers and crew members to rush into the flight deck, tackle the attacker, and restrain him.

Two reserve pilots traveling as passengers subsequently assumed control of the flight and executed a safe emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia noted Al Jazeera. The suspect was initially detained by Saudi authorities before being transferred to Abu Dhabi custody.

Questions have intensified regarding cross-border aviation vetting and background screening highlighted by The Guardian. Representatives for Buckinghamshire New University confirmed that a student matching the suspect's name completed a distance-learning course in aviation management but undertook no practical pilot training at the institution. Meanwhile, Morocco's national carrier, Royal Air Maroc, verified that Al Hammami completed a brief theoretical training period but was not selected for employment.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the co-pilot underwent Islamist radicalization with the intent of crashing the aircraft reported by DW, adding that authorities are examining whether he acted under external direction. Conversely, regional diplomats quoted by international news agencies noted that ongoing multi-country investigations have yet to confirm direct ties to formal militant networks, leaving open the possibility of a lone-actor operation.

In the wake of the incident, flydubai suspended its operations between Dubai and Tel Aviv indefinitely stated Channel NewsAsia. Aviation authorities across the region are reviewing heightened security protocols for sensitive international routes.

Investigations led by the United Arab Emirates prosecutor general continue alongside international partners, with technical examinations of physical and digital evidence underway. Further findings and final determinations regarding the motive and external connections are expected to be released by Emirati authorities once technical analyses conclude.