Archive · 3 Oct 2026
flydubai Co-Pilot Accused in Cockpit Attack; Syria Past Unclear
A co-pilot on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv is accused of attacking the captain and trying to take control of the plane.
The UAE says the incident was an attempted terrorist act.
Passengers and crew stepped in, and the plane landed in Saudi Arabia.
The co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, had worked for airlines in Oman and Morocco before joining flydubai.
Reports say he was taken off flying duties in Oman in 2024 after concerns about his views and materials he had.
Investigators are examining his work history, communications, and electronic activity.
They are also looking into whether he spent time in Syria.
Details about that possible stay have not been confirmed.
Authorities have not publicly identified any organisation he was affiliated with.
UAE authorities say flydubai first officer Hamam al-Hammami attacked the captain and tried to take control of a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight on September 30, 2026.
Passengers and crew intervened, and the aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Al-Hammami worked for Omani Aviation from February 2018 to February 2025, including as a Boeing 737 first officer.
Security sources say he was removed from flight duties in 2024 after extremist materials and concerns about his views emerged.
Reports link his possible stay in Syria to concerns about radicalisation, but its timing, duration, and circumstances remain unconfirmed.
- Who
- Hamam al-Hammami, a flydubai first officer, is accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar.
- What
- An alleged cockpit attack and attempt to take control of a flight; UAE authorities described it as an attempted terrorist act.
- When
- September 30, 2026; the investigation was reported in October 2026.
- Where
- A flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv; it made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Authorities are investigating the motive. Reports say concerns about extremist views and a possible past stay in Syria are being examined, but details remain unconfirmed.
- Flight
- flydubai flight FZ1073, from Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Incident date
- September 30, 2026
- Accused
- Hamam al-Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani citizen
- Captain
- Smit Machchhar, also rendered as Smit Machhar in the article
- Emergency landing
- Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Earlier employer
- Omani Aviation, where al-Hammami worked from February 2018 to February 2025
- Investigation
- UAE-led inquiry includes his background, career, communications, electronic activity, and airline moves