Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Flydubai Co-Pilot’s Background Probed After Cockpit Attack
A Flydubai plane was flying to Tel Aviv with 182 people on board.
The co-pilot, Hammami, allegedly attacked the captain and tried to take control of the plane.
The captain said the attack began after he left his seat to pray.
Passengers and crew helped stop Hammami.
A reserve pilot took over and landed the plane in north-western Saudi Arabia.
Hammami was detained there.
Officials are also looking into his past, including his time studying in Australia.
RMIT University said he left without finishing his engineering degree.
Authorities are investigating co-pilot Hammami’s background in Australia after he studied there for about two years until 2017.
RMIT University said Hammami left Australia without completing his engineering degree.
The incident occurred on September 30 aboard a Flydubai flight carrying 182 people to Tel Aviv.
Captain Smit Machchhar said Hammami attacked him after he left his seat to pray, and passengers intervened.
A reserve Flydubai pilot landed the plane in north-western Saudi Arabia, where Hammami was detained.
- Who
- Co-pilot Hammami, Captain Smit Machchhar, passengers and crew, and investigating officials.
- What
- Hammami allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to take control of a Flydubai aircraft; authorities are examining his background.
- When
- The flight incident occurred on September 30; Hammami studied in Australia until 2017.
- Where
- The flight was headed to Tel Aviv and landed in north-western Saudi Arabia. Hammami studied in Melbourne, Australia.
- Why
- Officials are investigating the incident as an alleged attempted terrorist attack and examining Hammami’s background; the articles do not establish a definitive motive.
Officials’ Concerns
Reported Account
Nature of the incident
Officials’ Concerns
The UAE prosecutor general described the episode as an attempted terrorist attack and said Hammami used a crash axe and stabbed the pilot.
Reported Account
Captain Smit Machchhar said Hammami attacked him after he left his seat to pray; the captain then opened the cockpit door so passengers could overpower the co-pilot.
Possible prior planning
Officials’ Concerns
Israeli and regional officials suspect Hammami planned an attack in July but postponed it.
Reported Account
The reports do not establish that the suspected July plan occurred or explain why it may have been postponed.
- Airline
- Flydubai
- Flight passengers
- 182 people
- Incident date
- September 30
- Flight destination
- Tel Aviv
- Landing location
- North-western Saudi Arabia
- Australian university
- RMIT University confirmed Hammami left without completing his engineering degree.
- Australia study period
- About two years, until 2017