The co-pilot of a flyDubai flight bound for Israel attacked the captain with an axe in a "terrorist" attempt, the United Arab Emirates prosecutor general said on Saturday, as investigators worked to determine whether the attacker acted alone or had links to extremist groups.

The co-pilot of flyDubai flight FZ1073, bound for Israel, attacked the captain inside the cockpit with an axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft, UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said, according to state news agency WAM.

Investigations are underway to determine the circumstances of the incident, the motives, and any related connections, he added.

Authorities are also examining physical and digital evidence as part of the widening investigation into the attack.

The suspect has been identified as Hamam al Hammami, an Omani national, according to three people with knowledge of the matter.

Sources, including a Gulf and a Western diplomat, spoke on condition of anonymity, as they were not authorised to brief the media.

Passengers and crew members intervened to stop the attack before the captain could be further harmed, the sources said.

Investigators are working to determine whether al Hammami "acted alone or had any connection with any extremist groups," a diplomat said.