Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Netanyahu Says Flydubai Co-Pilot Underwent Islamist Radical Indoctrination
A co-pilot is accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar on a plane flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The captain was badly hurt but managed to open the cockpit door.
Passengers and crew then helped restrain the co-pilot.
The plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the suspect had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination and appeared suicidal.
These are preliminary views, and the investigation is still underway.
Reports say the suspect had previously been removed from Oman Air flight training over security concerns.
News reports disagree about where he was transferred after being questioned in Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar has received hospital treatment, including care in Abu Dhabi, according to reports.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination; the investigation is ongoing.
Reports identified the suspect as 29-year-old Omani national Hamam al-Hammami and said Oman Air removed him from flight training in 2024 over security concerns.
The attack occurred aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv; Machchhar was wounded and the co-pilot allegedly tried to take control.
Passengers and crew restrained the suspect after Machchhar opened the cockpit door; the aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport, Saudi Arabia.
Reports conflict over whether the suspect was transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE or the United States; authorities in several countries are investigating.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar was allegedly attacked by co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami; Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the case.
- What
- The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and tried to take control of a Flydubai aircraft.
- When
- The incident occurred on Wednesday; Netanyahu spoke about it on Thursday.
- Where
- Aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv; the aircraft landed at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The motive has not been conclusively established. Netanyahu cited alleged radical indoctrination and suicidal behavior; investigations continue.
Preliminary Assessments
Unresolved Questions
Motive and intent
Preliminary Assessments
Netanyahu said the suspect had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination and appeared suicidal, and that initial indications suggested he intended to bring down the plane.
Unresolved Questions
Netanyahu said final conclusions had not been reached; whether the suspect had connections to Iran or anyone else remained undetermined.
Suspect's transfer
Preliminary Assessments
Some reports said the suspect would be handed from Saudi authorities to Emirati authorities for further investigation.
Unresolved Questions
Another report said he had been transferred from Saudi Arabia to the United States, leaving conflicting accounts.
- Flight
- Flydubai flight FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Captain
- Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot
- Suspect
- Hamam al-Hammami, identified in reports as a 29-year-old Omani national
- Landing
- The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport, Saudi Arabia
- Reported prior concern
- Reports said Oman Air removed al-Hammami from flight training in 2024 over security concerns
- Investigation
- Saudi, Emirati and Israeli authorities were reported to be involved in inquiries
- Transfer accounts
- Some reports said the suspect was transferred to UAE authorities; another said he was transferred to the United States
Sources
Flydubai Terror Incident Exposes Lapses In Israel’s Pilot Security Checks, 12 Omani Pilots Flew To Tel Aviv- Report
Flydubai mid air emergency: Co pilot who attacked Indian pilot had been flagged as security risk, says report
'Co-pilot who stabbed Capt Machchhar underwent Islamist indoctrination'
Suicidal And Islamist Radicalised: Netanyahu Shares Details Of Flydubai Co-Pilot Who Attacked Captain Smit Machchhar
Flydubai attack: Omani pilot identified, was flagged as a security risk in 2024
