Archive · 10 Oct 2026
UAE Says Flydubai Co-Pilot Planned 9/11-Style Airport Attack
UAE authorities say a co-pilot planned to take control of a passenger plane and crash it into an airport terminal in Israel.
They say he was inspired by the September 11 attacks and studied the route on two earlier flights.
On September 30, he allegedly attacked the captain with an emergency axe.
A reserve pilot, a crew member and passengers helped stop him and protect the injured captain.
The pilots regained control and diverted the plane to an airport in Saudi Arabia.
The plane landed safely.
The suspect reportedly told investigators he acted alone.
Authorities are still checking whether anyone else was involved.
Reports also differ about his work history with Royal Air Maroc.
UAE authorities say co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami planned to seize Flydubai flight FZ1073 and crash it into Ben Gurion Airport’s passenger terminal.
Investigators say he allegedly drew inspiration from the September 11 attacks and used two earlier Tel Aviv flights to study the route and airport.
On September 30, the co-pilot allegedly attacked captain Smit Machchhar with an emergency axe in the cockpit.
A reserve pilot, crew member and passengers intervened; the aircraft was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
The suspect reportedly confessed to acting alone, but investigators say they are checking evidence and possible accomplices; reports differ on his Royal Air Maroc employment history.
- Who
- UAE authorities identify the suspect as Hamam al-Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani co-pilot; the captain was Smit Machchhar.
- What
- The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and planned to seize the aircraft and crash it into Ben Gurion Airport’s passenger terminal.
- When
- The incident occurred on September 30; UAE investigation findings were announced on Friday.
- Where
- Flydubai flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and landed at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- According to the UAE account, the alleged plot aimed to cause maximum casualties and was inspired by the September 11 attacks.
Suspect’s reported account
Investigators’ continuing inquiry
Whether he acted alone
Suspect’s reported account
The suspect reportedly confessed that he acted alone.
Investigators’ continuing inquiry
UAE investigators say they are still verifying the confession and checking for accomplices or other connections.
Royal Air Maroc work history
Suspect’s reported account
The UAE account says he worked for Royal Air Maroc for several months in early 2025.
Investigators’ continuing inquiry
A separate report says Royal Air Maroc provided three months of training but rejected his employment application.
- Flight
- Flydubai flight FZ1073, scheduled from Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Incident date
- September 30
- Suspect
- Hamam al-Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani co-pilot, according to UAE authorities
- Alleged target
- The passenger terminal at Ben Gurion Airport
- Alleged weapon
- An emergency axe
- Flight outcome
- The aircraft was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia
- Investigation
- The suspect reportedly confessed to acting alone; authorities are examining evidence and possible accomplices or other links
- Employment reporting
- The UAE account says he worked for Royal Air Maroc in early 2025; another report says the airline provided training but rejected his employment application.
Sources
flydubai Co-Pilot Confesses, Says Planned 9/11-Like Attack: UAE Prosecutor
Flydubai Co-Pilot Planned 9/11-Style Suicide Attack on Tel Aviv Airport, Wanted to Cause Maximum Casualties: UAE
Flydubai co-pilot planned 9/11-style suicide attack on Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, acted alone: UAE
11 attacks spurred him to become a pilot, early investigation finds