The UAE’s Attorney General says the co-pilot of a Flydubai flight heading to Israel attempted to carry out a terrorist act during the journey.

According to investigators, the co-pilot attacked the captain inside the cockpit with an emergency axe and tried to take control of the aircraft.

The incident happened on Wednesday while the flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and was later diverted to Saudi Arabia.

A passenger said the aircraft was almost out of control during the attack and appeared to be heading towards a crash.

Passengers reportedly restrained and neutralised the co-pilot, while a doctor on board provided first aid to the injured pilots.

Authorities say other pilots on the aircraft eventually took control and safely diverted the plane.

The UAE says investigations into the incident are continuing, while no passengers were reported seriously injured.