20 hrs ago
Reports Question Flydubai Co-Pilot’s Background After Cockpit Attack
Reports say a flydubai co-pilot attacked the captain during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The co-pilot has been identified as Hamam Alhamami, though reports spell his name in different ways.
Captain Smit Machchhar was injured, and passengers and crew helped stop the attack.
Two other pilots took control and landed the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Reports say Oman Air had earlier removed Alhamami from flying duties after finding extremist material.
Some reports say he told investigators he planned to crash the plane in Israel.
UAE investigators reportedly described the incident as a planned terrorist act but did not state his motive.
Questions also remain about who posted material on his deleted social-media accounts.
Investigations into his background and motives are ongoing.
The co-pilot was identified in reports as Omani national Hamam Alhamami, also rendered as Hamam al-Hammami.
Reports say Oman Air removed him from flight training in 2024 after he was found with extremist material, then assigned him administrative work.
Media accounts say he later worked for Royal Air Maroc and joined flydubai; CNN reported he had been with flydubai for about eight months.
During a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight, he reportedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with an emergency axe and attempted to sabotage the aircraft.
Two relief pilots diverted the aircraft to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely; reports differ on the number aboard, giving totals of over 170 and 182.
- Who
- Flydubai co-pilot Hamam Alhamami, Captain Smit Machchhar, and others aboard the aircraft.
- What
- The co-pilot reportedly attacked the captain and attempted to sabotage the aircraft; relief pilots diverted it and landed safely.
- Where
- The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- When
- Earlier that week; one report dates the emergency landing to Thursday, October 1.
- Why
- Investigators reportedly described a planned terrorist act, but did not disclose the co-pilot's motive; reports allege he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel.
Reported allegations
Unresolved questions
Intended motive
Reported allegations
One report, citing sources familiar with the investigation, says Alhamami told investigators he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel.
Unresolved questions
UAE investigators reportedly described a planned terrorist act but did not reveal his motive; the reports say the investigation continues.
Social-media posts
Reported allegations
Reports describe terror-related posts on a deleted LinkedIn profile and extremist content on deleted accounts attributed to Alhamami.
Unresolved questions
One report says it remains unclear who uploaded two LinkedIn posts after the incident or whether they had been scheduled.
Number of people aboard
Reported allegations
One account says the aircraft carried over 170 passengers, including 24 children.
Unresolved questions
Another account says 182 people were aboard.
Key facts
- Airline
- flydubai
- Flight route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Aircraft
- Boeing 737; reports refer to Boeing 737 MAX cockpit footage in connection with suspected social-media posts
- People aboard
- One report says over 170, including 24 children; another reports 182
- Reported co-pilot name
- Hamam Alhamami, also rendered as Hamam al-Hammami or Hamam Al Hammami
- Prior Oman Air role
- Reports say he was removed from flight training in 2024 after extremist material was found and then worked in an administrative role
- Reported diversion
- The aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after two relief pilots took over
- Investigation
- UAE investigators reportedly identified a planned terrorist act but did not disclose the suspect's motive; the investigation is ongoing
Quotes
Smit Machchhar
Indian captain of the flydubai aircraft
“My hand...I can move my hand but cannot squeeze it”
NDTV
“Doctor, is there a doctor?”
NDTV
Sources
Related news
Reports Detail Alleged Radicalisation Before Flydubai Cockpit Attack
Omani Flydubai Co-Pilot Accused in Cockpit Attack
Reports Detail Suspect’s Airline History and Alleged Extremist Views
Flydubai Co-Pilot Attack Probe Examines Posts and Background
Netanyahu Says Flydubai Co-Pilot Underwent Islamist Radical Indoctrination
flydubai Co-Pilot Accused in Cockpit Attack; Syria Past Unclear
Bhagyashrii Borse Praises Pilot Smit Machchhar as Hero
Pilot Recounts Flydubai Cockpit Attack to Netanyahu
Dubai Prince Praises Indian Pilot After Cockpit Attack
VHP Claims 254 Hindus Killed, Seeks Action Against Extremism
IAF Chief Praises Flydubai Captain After Cockpit Attack
