Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Flydubai Cockpit Attack Raises Questions Over Ben Gurion Plot
A co-pilot on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv allegedly attacked the captain while they were in the air.
The plane landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after it diverted.
Investigators are looking into whether the co-pilot planned to crash the plane at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel.
The UAE attorney general said early findings pointed to an attempted terrorist attack.
Investigators are also trying to learn why it happened and whether anyone else was involved.
A report citing US officials said investigators believe the co-pilot acted alone, but the investigation is still early.
President Donald Trump said he thinks Iran was responsible.
Vice President JD Vance said there was nothing conclusive linking Iran to the incident.
Investigators are reportedly examining whether co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami planned to crash flight FZ1073 into Ben Gurion Airport.
The UAE attorney general said a preliminary investigation indicated al-Hammami attempted a terrorist attack; authorities are investigating motives and possible links.
Reports say al-Hammami attacked captain Smit Machchhar with a cockpit crash axe about two hours and 20 minutes after take-off.
The flight, carrying more than 180 passengers, diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, for an emergency landing.
Donald Trump said he believed Iran was responsible, while JD Vance said he had seen nothing conclusive linking Iran to the incident.
- Who
- Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked captain Smit Machchhar; more than 180 passengers were aboard.
- What
- An alleged cockpit attack on flight FZ1073 is under investigation as a suspected terrorist attack and possible plot against Ben Gurion Airport.
- When
- The incident occurred on 30 September, around two hours and 20 minutes after take-off. The UAE attorney general commented on 3 October.
- Where
- The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Investigators are examining al-Hammami's possible motive and any outside links; no conclusive Iran connection has been publicly established.
Iran responsible
Iran link unconfirmed
Possible Iranian involvement
Iran responsible
Donald Trump said he personally believed Iran was responsible for the incident.
Iran link unconfirmed
JD Vance said there was nothing conclusive linking Iran to the incident and deferred to US intelligence officials.
Scope of the alleged plan
Iran responsible
Reports say investigators are examining whether al-Hammami planned to crash the flight into Ben Gurion Airport and had considered another attack earlier in the year.
Iran link unconfirmed
NBC News, citing US officials briefed on the investigation, reported that investigators believe al-Hammami acted alone rather than as part of a larger organisation; the investigation remains in its early stages.
- Flight
- Flydubai flight FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Incident date
- 30 September
- Diversion
- Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Passengers
- More than 180, most of them Israeli
- UAE assessment
- The attorney general said preliminary findings indicated an attempted terrorist attack.
- Iran link
- Trump said he believed Iran was responsible; Vance said he had seen nothing conclusive.