1 hr ago
Flydubai Co-Pilot Allegedly Sought Gaza Revenge During Flight Attack
A Flydubai plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when its co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain.
Reports say the co-pilot told investigators he acted because of the war in Gaza, but officials in the UAE have not confirmed that account publicly.
The plane suddenly lost a lot of height.
Even though he was hurt, the captain managed to open the cockpit door.
Passengers and crew helped restrain the co-pilot.
Two off-duty pilots then helped fly the plane.
It landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Investigators are still trying to learn why the attack happened and whether anyone else was involved.
There is no public evidence establishing Iran’s involvement.
Reports citing Israeli investigators say Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami told interrogators he acted in revenge for the Gaza war and wanted to die as a martyr; the UAE has not publicly confirmed this account.
Prosecutors say al-Hammami attacked Indian captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe and tried to take control of Flight FZ1073.
The aircraft, carrying 182 people according to one report, descended sharply before Machchhar opened the cockpit door and passengers and crew restrained the co-pilot.
Two off-duty Flydubai pilots helped take control, and the aircraft diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
The UAE investigation is examining motive, planning and possible accomplices; reports about the co-pilot’s past and claims of Iranian involvement remain unconfirmed or unsupported by public evidence.
- Who
- Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami is accused of attacking Indian captain Smit Machchhar aboard a Flydubai flight.
- What
- The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft; the flight later landed safely.
- Where
- The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- When
- The incident was reported as occurring on September 30.
- Why
- Israeli media reports citing investigators say the co-pilot described his motive as revenge for the Gaza war; the UAE has not publicly confirmed that account.
Claims and allegations
What is confirmed or unresolved
Motive
Claims and allegations
Channel 12 reports citing investigators say al-Hammami told interrogators he acted in revenge for the Gaza war and wanted to die as a martyr.
What is confirmed or unresolved
The UAE has not publicly confirmed the reported statement, and its investigation into the motive is ongoing.
Possible Iranian involvement
Claims and allegations
US President Donald Trump said he personally believed Iran was responsible.
What is confirmed or unresolved
The reporting says there is no public evidence establishing an Iranian role.
Prior warning signs
Claims and allegations
Media reports say Omani authorities had barred the co-pilot from flying amid concerns about extremist views; other reports describe concerns about his past.
What is confirmed or unresolved
These accounts are attributed to sources and have not been presented as publicly confirmed findings by the UAE investigation.
Key facts
- Flight
- Flydubai Flight FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv; diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- People on board
- One report says 182 people
- Suspect
- Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami
- Captain
- Indian pilot Smit Machchhar
- Reported motive
- Israeli media reports say the co-pilot cited revenge for the Gaza war and a wish to die as a martyr; the UAE has not publicly confirmed this
- Investigation
- UAE authorities are examining the motive, planning and possible involvement of others
- Iran claim
- Donald Trump said he believed Iran was responsible, but no public evidence establishing an Iranian role was reported
Quotes
Hamam al-Hammami
Omani co-pilot accused of attempting to crash the flydubai flight
“I wanted to die as a martyr.”
NDTV
Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime minister of Israel
“We have constraints that say that you can't have pilots from countries that don't have diplomatic relations with Israel.”
NDTV
Sources
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