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Australian authorities investigate links to Flydubai co-pilot after cockpit attack
Overview
Australian Federal Police, state police and security agencies are investigating the links between Australia and a Flydubai co-pilot who attacked the captain with a crash axe during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia after passengers overpowered the co-pilot. UAE prosecutors are investigating the incident as a terrorist act, and reports indicate the co-pilot previously studied in Australia and faced concerns over radical views during earlier employment.
Key points
- Australian Federal Police are investigating a Flydubai co-pilot's links to Australia following a cockpit attack.
- The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a crash axe mid-flight on a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv route on 30 September.
- Passengers and reserve pilots managed to regain control and safely land the aircraft in Saudi Arabia.
- Reports indicate the co-pilot previously held an Australian student visa and studied in the country between 2015 and 2017.
- UAE authorities are investigating the incident as a suspected terrorist act.
- The injured captain was hospitalised in stable condition, and the co-pilot was arrested by Saudi authorities.