DUBAI— The United Arab Emirates has issued a new update on the Flydubai cockpit attack, saying an investigation has found that the co-pilot’s attack on the captain was an attempted “terrorist attack”.

The incident took place on September 30 on Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to the latest findings released by UAE authorities, the co-pilot attacked the captain inside the cockpit with an emergency crash axe and then tried to take control of the aircraft. The Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, later said the co-pilot had stood up and said he wanted to pray. Machchhar said he looked forward out of respect, and about four to five minutes later, he was struck from behind with an axe.

Machchhar was injured in the attack and struggled to open the cockpit door. The door was eventually opened, allowing crew members and a pilot travelling as a passenger to intervene and help stop the attack. The aircraft was then diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. The co-pilot was detained by Saudi authorities and later handed over to UAE authorities.

The latest investigation is now focused on the motive behind the attack and whether anyone else was involved. UAE authorities are also examining physical and digital evidence linked to the incident.

Flydubai said the incident remains under investigation and that it could not provide further details at this stage. Authorities have not yet announced a final motive or confirmed any link between the co-pilot and a militant group.