UAE federal prosecutors said on Saturday that the co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 attacked the captain inside the cockpit with a crash axe and tried to seize the aircraft’s controls, in what the Attorney-General described as an attempted terrorist act. It is the clearest official finding yet on the September 30 incident that forced the Dubai to Tel Aviv flight to divert to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

Counsellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said investigations had established that the co-pilot began carrying out his plan while the aircraft was in flight, assaulting the captain before attempting to take control. The inquiry is still examining the co-pilot’s motives and any possible links, with technical examinations of physical and digital evidence continuing. Final findings will be announced when the investigation is complete, according to Gulf Business’s report of the Attorney-General’s statement.

What prosecutors confirmed on Saturday

Three points are now on the official record. First, the attack happened in the flight deck during the flight, not on the ground. Second, the weapon was the cockpit crash axe, standard emergency equipment carried on board. Third, prosecutors are treating the motive as terrorism-related while they test whether the co-pilot acted alone, was directed by others, or had planned the act in advance — the same questions the investigation flagged when it opened on October 1.

Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, said the UAE has no tolerance for extremism, and praised captain Smit Machchhar. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, visited Machchhar in hospital on Saturday and praised his courage and care for human life. The GCAA said on Friday that the captain had returned safely to the UAE, was in good condition and was receiving medical treatment, and it commended the crew and passengers whose intervention helped contain the situation.

Dubai International Airport departure hall with travellers checking flight information boards
DXB remains open, with flydubai Tel Aviv services still suspended after the incident.

What the finding means for flights from Dubai

Dubai International Airport is operating, and the finding does not change schedules for other routes. flydubai’s Tel Aviv services remain suspended, and repatriation arrangements for stranded passengers have been handled separately — and unevenly — this week. Travellers booked on affected services should follow airline messages rather than airport boards, and anyone planning a connection can check our Dubai International Airport guide and the airport hotels page if an overnight delay looks likely.

Security specialists quoted by the Associated Press say the case is likely to shift attention toward crew vetting and screening, an area that has historically received less focus than passenger and baggage checks. No new passenger-facing rules at DXB have been announced, and officials have not said when flydubai’s Israel route might resume.

How this update differs from the first reports

Our earlier explainer covered the diversion, the suspension of the route and the opening of the investigation. Saturday’s statement moves the story from allegation to a prosecutorial finding on intent, while leaving motive and links open. If you are catching up, read it alongside our Dubai tourist visa guide if your trip dates have shifted, and keep documents handy via the visa status checker guide.

Airport security screening area with passengers passing through checkpoints
Aviation security experts expect crew screening and vetting to face fresh scrutiny.

Frequently asked questions

What did UAE prosecutors announce about FZ1073?

That the co-pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe and tried to seize the controls, which prosecutors describe as an attempted terrorist act. Motive and any links are still under investigation.

Is Dubai International Airport open?

Yes. DXB is operating. flydubai’s Dubai–Tel Aviv services remain suspended following the September 30 incident.

How is Captain Smit Machchhar?

The GCAA said he returned safely to the UAE, is in good condition and is receiving medical treatment. Sheikh Hamdan visited him in hospital on Saturday, October 3.

Have new security rules been announced for passengers?

No new passenger rules at DXB have been announced. Commentators expect crew screening and vetting to be reviewed, but that remains commentary, not a confirmed policy change.