Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Flydubai Captain Injured in Attack as Crew Saves Flight
A co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain of a Flydubai plane with an emergency axe.
The captain was badly hurt, including suffering a skull fracture, but managed to open the cockpit door.
Passengers and crew members then rushed in and helped stop the co-pilot.
A travelling pilot took control of the plane, according to a passenger who saw the response.
The plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv and made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Reports disagree about how many people were aboard and how far the plane dropped.
The captain was treated in Saudi Arabia and then taken to a hospital in Abu Dhabi.
The alleged motive and questions about security were still under investigation.
Co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a cockpit crash axe during Flydubai flight FZ1073.
Machchhar suffered a skull fracture and other injuries but opened the cockpit door, enabling passengers and travelling crew to intervene.
A passenger said two travelling pilots entered the cockpit; the airline described the helpers as on-duty crew members travelling aboard.
The flight, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; reports differ on the number aboard and how far it descended.
Machchhar received emergency treatment in Saudi Arabia and was transferred to Abu Dhabi; authorities were investigating the alleged attack and the co-pilot’s reported plans.
- Who
- Co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, Captain Smit Machchhar, passengers and travelling crew members.
- What
- The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a crash axe; passengers and crew intervened, and another pilot took control.
- When
- The incident occurred about two-and-a-half hours after departure on September 30, according to the reports.
- Where
- A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv; it made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The co-pilot was alleged to have planned the attack and intended to crash the aircraft. The motive and circumstances remained under investigation.
- Flight
- Flydubai FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Aircraft
- Boeing 737 MAX 8
- People aboard
- One report said 182; another described more than 170 passengers and crew.
- Alleged weapon
- Cockpit crash axe
- Reported descent
- Reuters reported about 16,000 feet in roughly 30 seconds; NDTV reported nearly 18,000 feet.
- Landing
- Emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Captain's treatment
- Emergency treatment and skull surgery in Saudi Arabia, followed by transfer to Abu Dhabi.
Sources
flydubai Hero Pilot's Skull Fractured In Attack, Undergoes Emergency Surgery In Saudi
What we know about mystery pilots who saved Dubai-Tel Aviv Flydubai flight from crashing after Indian pilot attacked
Omani pilot used crash axe to stab Captain Smit Machchar during Flydubai flight —what is its purpose? Expert explains