Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Passengers Refuse to Release Co-Pilot After Flydubai Cockpit Attack
A co-pilot on a flydubai plane allegedly attacked the captain with a crash axe.
The captain was badly hurt but opened the cockpit door.
Passengers and two off-duty pilots stepped in to help.
The plane had begun descending steeply, and the pilots helped stabilize it.
Passengers tied up the co-pilot.
They said some crew members asked them to let him go, but they refused and wanted police to take him.
They also gave him oxygen because they wanted him to live and be investigated.
The plane was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely.
All 174 passengers, including 27 children, were reported safe.
Passengers restrained co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami after he allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe.
The injured captain opened the cockpit door, and passengers and two off-duty flydubai pilots intervened as the aircraft entered a steep descent.
Passengers said crew members asked them to release al-Hammami; they refused and said they would hand him over to police.
Passengers reportedly gave al-Hammami oxygen because they wanted him to survive and be investigated; they also said they distrusted the crew’s request.
The flight diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely; all 174 passengers, including 27 children, were reported safe.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar, co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, passengers, and two off-duty flydubai pilots.
- What
- Passengers restrained the co-pilot after an alleged cockpit attack; off-duty pilots helped stabilize the aircraft.
- When
- Reports were published on October 4, 2026; the incident date is not specified.
- Where
- A Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Passengers said they refused to release the co-pilot because they wanted him handed to police for investigation.
Passengers’ account
Crew’s reported request
Whether to release the co-pilot
Passengers’ account
Passengers interviewed by The New York Post said they refused to untie al-Hammami and would hand him over to police.
Crew’s reported request
Passengers said crew members asked them to release al-Hammami. The reports do not provide the crew’s own account or explanation.
Who should remain near the cockpit
Passengers’ account
Passengers said they suspected the crew might be involved and told crew members to move away from the cockpit area.
Crew’s reported request
According to the passengers, crew members asked them to return to their seats and leave the area near the cockpit.
- Flight
- flydubai flight FZ1073, bound for Tel Aviv
- Captain
- Smit Machchhar, an Indian captain
- Co-pilot
- Hamam al-Hammami, identified as an Omani citizen
- Alleged weapon
- A crash axe
- Passengers aboard
- 174, including 27 children
- Diversion
- The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely
- Reported outcome
- All passengers were reported safe; the captain suffered serious injuries
- Video
- A 45-second video shared by i24NEWS shows passengers restraining al-Hammami and saying they would hand him to police
