Flydubai Co-Pilot Accused Of Axe Attack

UAE authorities said the Flydubai co-pilot on flight FZ1073 attacked the captain with a crash axe and tried to seize control in an attempted terrorist attack. Media reports identified the co-pilot as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, while UAE officials had not initially confirmed his identity. Sources said Oman had barred al-Hammami from flying over concerns about extremist views before he later took an administrative role at Oman Air. Flydubai hired him afterward, raising questions about airline vetting and Israel-route cockpit security. The aircraft carried more than 170 people and dropped about 17,000 feet before passengers and crew subdued the attacker. UAE investigators are examining motive and possible terrorist links.