Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Reports Say Flydubai Co-Pilot Cited Revenge for Gaza
A Flydubai plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when its co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain.
Israeli media reports say the co-pilot told investigators he acted in revenge for Gaza and wanted to die as a martyr.
UAE authorities have not publicly confirmed that account.
The plane dropped sharply while the pilots struggled.
Even though he was badly hurt, the captain managed to open the cockpit door.
Passengers and crew helped restrain the co-pilot, and two off-duty pilots helped control the plane.
The flight diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia and landed safely.
Investigators are still trying to learn what happened and whether anyone else was involved.
Israeli media, citing investigators, reported that Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami said he acted in revenge for Gaza and wanted to die as a martyr; UAE authorities have not publicly confirmed the account.
UAE prosecutors say al-Hammami attacked Indian captain Smit Machchhar and tried to take control of Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was bound from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Reports differ on the number aboard: one says 182, while others say more than 170; the aircraft reportedly made a steep descent during the cockpit struggle.
Machchhar, seriously injured, opened the cockpit door; passengers and crew restrained al-Hammami, and two off-duty pilots helped regain control.
The flight diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely; investigators are examining motive, planning, possible extremist links and whether anyone else was involved.
- Who
- Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami is accused of attacking Indian captain Smit Machchhar aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073.
- What
- The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
- When
- The incident occurred on September 30, according to the reports.
- Where
- The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Israeli media reports citing investigators say al-Hammami described his motive as revenge for Gaza; UAE authorities have not publicly confirmed the reported statement.
Claims reported by media and officials
Unconfirmed or unresolved matters
Motive
Claims reported by media and officials
Israeli media, citing investigators, reported that al-Hammami said he acted in revenge for Gaza and wanted to die as a martyr.
Unconfirmed or unresolved matters
UAE authorities have not publicly confirmed the reported interrogation account, and the investigation into motive continues.
Background and possible extremist links
Claims reported by media and officials
Israeli officials and media reports have alleged radical Islamist influence and raised questions about al-Hammami's past, including reports of concerns in Oman and visits abroad.
Unconfirmed or unresolved matters
These allegations are not established findings in the reporting; investigators are still examining his background and possible connections.
Possible foreign involvement
Claims reported by media and officials
US President Donald Trump said he personally believed Iran was responsible for the attack.
Unconfirmed or unresolved matters
The article says there is no public evidence establishing an Iranian role.
- Flight
- Flydubai Flight FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv; diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- People aboard
- Reports vary: one says 182; other reports say more than 170
- Accused co-pilot
- Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani pilot
- Captain
- Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot
- Reported motive
- Israeli media reports say al-Hammami cited revenge for Gaza and a wish to die as a martyr; UAE authorities have not publicly confirmed the account
- Landing
- The aircraft landed safely in Tabuk after passengers, crew and two off-duty pilots helped
- Investigation
- Authorities are examining motive, planning, possible extremist connections and whether anyone else was involved
Sources
Flydubai attack: Co-pilot wanted revenge for Gaza war, says report
‘Revenge For Gaza’: Omani Co-Pilot Tells Interrogators He Wanted To ‘Die As A Martyr’
Flydubai Co-Pilot Told Investigators He Wanted 'Revenge For Gaza', 'To Die As A Martyr': Report
