Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Reports Say Flydubai Co-Pilot Likely Acted Alone in Attack
Reports say a co-pilot attacked the captain of a flydubai plane travelling from Dubai toward Israel.
The captain, Smit Machchhar, was injured but managed to open the cockpit door and alert people on board.
Passengers and crew rushed in and helped regain control of the plane.
The aircraft descended quickly and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Some news outlets identified the co-pilot as Hamam al-Hammami, but officials have not confirmed his identity.
Israeli sources said they currently know of no connection to a group or government.
The UAE described the incident as an attempted terrorist act.
Investigators in the UAE, Israel and Saudi Arabia are still looking into what happened and why.
Media reports say the flydubai co-pilot likely acted alone when he attacked Captain Smit Machchhar aboard an Israel-bound flight.
Several outlets identified the co-pilot as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, but officials have not confirmed his identity.
Israeli sources told news organizations they knew of no link to a group or government, while saying the inquiry was ongoing.
The UAE, Israel and Saudi Arabia are investigating; the UAE said its probe found the co-pilot attempted a “terrorist act.”
Flight FZ1073, carrying 174 passengers, descended more than 17,000 feet before making an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
- Who
- The flydubai co-pilot, reportedly identified as Hamam al-Hammami, and Captain Smit Machchhar; the plane carried 174 passengers.
- What
- The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain in an apparent attempt to take control of the aircraft; the UAE said its investigation found an attempted terrorist act.
- When
- Wednesday; the report describing the investigations was published on Sunday.
- Where
- Aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai toward Israel; the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Investigators are still determining the motive.
- Flight
- flydubai flight FZ1073
- Passengers
- 174
- Reported co-pilot identity
- Hamam al-Hammami; not officially confirmed
- Captain
- Smit Machchhar
- Descent
- More than 17,000 feet, from 34,000 feet
- Investigating authorities
- The UAE, Israel and Saudi Arabia
- Australian inquiry
- Australian Federal Police are investigating the co-pilot's links to Australia; media reports say he studied there from 2015 to 2017.