Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Reports Detail Alleged Radicalisation Before Flydubai Cockpit Attack
A co-pilot named Hamam Alhamami is accused of attacking the captain during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Reports say Oman had raised concerns about his views before he later worked for Flydubai, but accounts differ about what action Oman took.
Some reports also describe alleged exposure to extremist ideas during time in Syria and alleged indoctrination into al-Qaeda ideology.
These claims have not all been independently confirmed.
During the incident, the plane dropped sharply, and the captain was badly injured.
Passengers and crew helped restrain the co-pilot and regain control.
The flight landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Investigators are examining the suspected motive, whether anyone else was involved, and how the co-pilot was hired.
The UAE is leading the investigation, with Saudi and Israeli authorities also involved.
The Omani co-pilot, identified in reports as Hamam Alhamami, is accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar aboard Flight FZ1073 on September 30.
Reports say Oman Air barred, suspended, or removed Alhamami from flying or training over concerns about extremist views; accounts differ on the action and its timing.
Sources cited by media outlets allege he spent time in Syria and was exposed to extremist ideas; Channel 12 reported alleged indoctrination into al-Qaeda ideology.
The aircraft descended sharply, passengers and crew restrained the co-pilot, and the flight made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The UAE is leading the terrorism investigation, with Saudi and Israeli authorities involved; alleged intent, outside links, and prior airline vetting remain under examination.
- Who
- Flydubai co-pilot Hamam Alhamami is accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar; passengers and crew intervened.
- What
- An alleged cockpit attack aboard Flight FZ1073 led to a steep descent and an emergency landing.
- When
- September 30; reports do not consistently specify the incident year.
- Where
- The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The alleged motive and whether the co-pilot had outside links remain under investigation.
Claims Reported
Questions and Caveats
Alleged radicalisation and intent
Claims Reported
Media reports cite sources alleging extremist influence, including time in Syria and indoctrination into al-Qaeda ideology; another report says he told investigators he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel.
Questions and Caveats
These are reported allegations, and the full motive has not been established publicly; investigators are still examining the evidence.
Prior aviation warning
Claims Reported
Reports say Oman Air barred, suspended, grounded, or removed Alhamami from flying or training because of concerns about his views or extremist material.
Questions and Caveats
Accounts differ about the action and timing, and it remains unclear what information Oman shared or what checks Flydubai conducted before hiring him.
Possible outside involvement
Claims Reported
Israeli officials have said investigators are examining whether the co-pilot was sent or worked with others.
Questions and Caveats
Authorities have not established outside involvement; one report said there was no current evidence of a link with Iran.
- Flight
- Flydubai Flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Incident date
- September 30
- People identified
- Co-pilot Hamam Alhamami; captain Smit Machchhar
- Reported prior concerns
- Media reports say Oman Air took action over alleged extremist views; accounts describe suspension, removal from training, or a flying ban.
- Reported descent
- One account says the aircraft dropped about 16,000 feet within two minutes.
- Landing
- The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Investigation
- The UAE is leading the probe, with Saudi and Israeli authorities involved.
- Reported passenger count
- Accounts differ: one reports 180 occupants; another specifies 174 passengers and eight crew, totaling 182.
Sources
Omani Co-Pilot Who Attacked Capt Machchhar, Identified as Hamam Alhamami, Had Extremist Views, Spent Most Time in Syria: Report
Syria to Flydubai cockpit: Radicalisation trail of Tel Aviv flight suspect comes under probe
Syria Connect, Extremist Views, Al Qaeda Ideology: Omani Co-Pilot Who Attacked Capt Machchhar Was Indoctrinated
From Al-Qaeda Indoctrination To '9/11-Like' Israel Crash Plot: Inside Flydubai Co-Pilot Hamam Alhamami’s Alleged Plan To Bring Down Tel Aviv-Bound Flight
Flydubai Co-Pilot Previously Barred from Flying Over Extremist Views
Flydubai attacker was banned from flying by Oman over his radical ideologies: Report
