Royal Air Maroc denies link to Flydubai co-pilot attack

Royal Air Maroc has denied allegations that the co-pilot involved in a violent incident on a Flydubai flight was previously employed by the airline. The company clarified that while the individual submitted a job application in 2025, it was rejected, and he never held any professional or contractual ties with the carrier.

The incident occurred on Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers. UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi stated that the co-pilot attempted a ‘terrorist act’ by using a cockpit crash axe to attack the captain, an Indian national, in an attempt to seize control of the aircraft.

During the struggle, the plane reportedly lost approximately 17,000 feet of altitude in one minute. Passengers described a chaotic scene as they rushed the cockpit to assist. The crew managed to secure the aircraft, which was subsequently diverted to Saudi Arabia for a safe landing. UAE authorities have not yet released the identity or nationality of the accused co-pilot.