1 day ago
Omani Flydubai Co-Pilot Accused in Cockpit Attack
A Flydubai plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when its co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain, Smit Machchhar.
UAE officials say the co-pilot used a crash axe and tried to take control of the plane.
The plane quickly lost altitude and diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
Although badly hurt, the captain managed to open the cockpit door.
Passengers and crew then helped restrain the co-pilot, and reserve pilots helped land the plane.
Reports say Oman had earlier raised concerns about the co-pilot and removed or barred him from flying.
It is not clear what Flydubai knew about those concerns when it hired him.
Investigators have not announced a final finding about the motive or whether anyone else was involved.
Media reports identify the co-pilot as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami; UAE authorities have not officially disclosed his identity.
UAE officials say the co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe and attempted to take control of Flight FZ1073.
The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight rapidly descended and diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; reports cite 174 passengers or 182 people aboard in total.
Despite serious injuries, Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to restrain the co-pilot; reserve pilots helped land the aircraft.
Reports say Oman had previously removed or barred al-Hammami from flying over security concerns; investigators are examining his hiring, motive, and possible connections.
- Who
- Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami is accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar.
- What
- An alleged cockpit attack led to an emergency descent and diversion of Flight FZ1073.
- Where
- The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- When
- The incident occurred on September 30, 2026, according to the reports.
- Why
- The motive is unresolved; investigators are examining the attack, al-Hammami's background, and possible connections.
Allegations and concerns
Unresolved findings
Motive and extremist links
Allegations and concerns
UAE authorities described the incident as an attempted terrorist act, and Israeli officials have alleged extremist indoctrination.
Unresolved findings
Authorities have not publicly announced a final motive or established whether al-Hammami had links to extremist groups.
Possible Iranian connection
Allegations and concerns
U.S. President Donald Trump raised the possibility of Iranian involvement and said the United States would respond forcefully if a link were established.
Unresolved findings
An Israeli official said there was no current evidence of an Iran link; no such connection has been publicly established.
Prior concerns and hiring
Allegations and concerns
Media reports say Oman had removed or barred al-Hammami from flying over concerns about extremist views or material before Flydubai hired him.
Unresolved findings
It remains unclear what information was shared with Flydubai or the UAE, how he was vetted, and when the earlier concerns arose.
Key facts
- Flight
- Flydubai Flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Accused co-pilot
- Hamam al-Hammami, identified in media reports as an Omani national; UAE authorities have not officially disclosed his identity
- Captain
- Smit Machchhar was seriously injured and reported to be recovering in Abu Dhabi
- People aboard
- Reports cite 174 passengers; an Associated Press report says 182 people were aboard in total
- Diversion
- The aircraft landed at Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Prior concerns
- Reports say Oman removed al-Hammami from flight training or barred him from flying; accounts differ on timing and details
- Investigation
- The UAE is leading inquiries into the circumstances, motive, and any possible links
Quotes
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence
“We are now investigating whether he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price.”
telegraphindia.com
“From us, and from the leadership of the nation, he has our full appreciation and praise.”
theprint.in
Smit Machchhar
Flydubai captain injured in the cockpit attack
“I was fighting for my life. At one point, I realized that if I didn't get up … then passengers would lose their lives.”
telegraphindia.com
“I had so many wounds. I had fallen down.”
telegraphindia.com
Wall Street Journal report
A media report cited in the article identifying the co-pilot
“The alleged attacker is an Omani national named Hamam al-Hammami”
thehindubusinessline.com
Indian Embassy in the UAE
India's diplomatic mission in the United Arab Emirates
“Indian braveheart Capt Smit remains under excellent medical care and is recovering well”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
Who is Hamam Al-Hammami? Omani co-pilot in Flydubai cockpit attack was already flagged over security concerns
Flydubai attack: Reports identify co-pilot as Omani citizen, attacked Indian captain with crash axe
Flydubai cockpit attack: Co-pilot identified as Omani citizen
Flydubai co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami: His past, a crash axe, a ‘terror’ plot — 5 big updates
Co-pilot in FlyDubai incident is identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami
Hamam al-Hammami identified as Omani co-pilot in flydubai cockpit attack - Telegraph India
Omani Co-Pilot Identified, Indian Pilot Recovers
Who is Hamam al-Hammami? Flydubai co-pilot, who stabbed India’s Smit Machchhar
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