Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Flydubai Co-Pilot’s Past Scrutinized After Cockpit Attack
A co-pilot named Hamam al-Hammami is accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar during a flight toward Tel Aviv.
The incident led to an emergency response and an investigation.
Investigators are looking into the co-pilot’s work history and online posts.
Reports also describe expectations he reportedly had for a future wife.
He had worked for Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc before joining Flydubai.
Investigators have not reached a public conclusion about why the attack happened or whether his beliefs were connected to it.
Hamam al-Hammami is accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar aboard a Flydubai flight travelling toward Tel Aviv.
Reports have drawn attention to al-Hammami’s deleted social media posts and views about women working with men.
A report said he sought a wife who would wear a niqab and stop working after marriage; his mother reportedly helped seek matches.
Al-Hammami previously worked for Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc before joining Flydubai.
Authorities are investigating his background, online activity and possible motive; no conclusions about extremist links have been established.
- Who
- Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami and Captain Smit Machchhar.
- What
- Al-Hammami is accused of attacking Machchhar during a flight; investigators are examining his background and possible motive.
- When
- The article does not specify when the attack occurred.
- Where
- A Flydubai flight travelling toward Tel Aviv.
- Why
- The motive has not been established; authorities are investigating the incident and the co-pilot’s background.
- Accused co-pilot
- Hamam al-Hammami
- Captain
- Smit Machchhar
- Flight operator
- Flydubai
- Flight destination direction
- Toward Tel Aviv
- Prior employers
- Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc
- Investigation focus
- The cockpit incident, al-Hammami’s professional history, online activity and possible motivations
- Status
- Investigation ongoing; allegations and possible links to extremist activity remain unconfirmed