UAE says Flydubai co-pilot attempted terrorist attack with axe
UAE authorities have officially classified a mid-air cockpit attack by a Flydubai co-pilot as a terrorist act after an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
- Headline: UAE says Flydubai co-pilot attempted terrorist attack with axe
- Dispatch Summary: UAE authorities have officially classified a mid-air cockpit attack by a Flydubai co-pilot as a terrorist act after an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
- Verification: Corroborated across independent reporting outlets with primary sources and real-time wire transmissions.
UAE confirms co-pilot attack as 'terrorist act' during Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight
The United Arab Emirates has confirmed that a Flydubai co-pilot attempted to carry out a "terrorist act" by attacking the pilot with a crash axe during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, according to statements from the UAE prosecutor general. The incident, which occurred on September 30, 2026, involved Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was carrying 174 passengers and crew. The aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot’s attack caused the plane to descend sharply. UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi stated in a public statement that the co-pilot "began executing his plan during the flight, attacking the captain inside the flight deck using a crash axe and attempting to take control of the aircraft." The crash axe, a standard emergency tool stored in commercial aircraft cockpits, was used to stab the pilot, identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar. The attack prompted passengers and crew to intervene, allowing the plane to be stabilized and diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Flight Details | Flydubai flight FZ1073, Dubai to Tel Aviv |
| Date of Incident | September 30, 2026 |
| Number of Passengers | 174 |
| Co-pilot’s Nationality | Omani |
| Weapon Used | Crash axe |
| Emergency Landing Location | Tabuk Airport, Saudi Arabia |
Omani co-pilot had prior extremist-related issues, sources say
The co-pilot, identified as Hammam al-Hammami, had a history of controversy in Oman. According to multiple reports, he was barred from flying with Oman Air in 2025 after concerns arose about his "extremist views." A Wall Street Journal report cited government surveillance logs showing visits to radical websites, leading to his resignation from the airline. Al-Hammami later joined Royal Air Maroc before being hired by Flydubai approximately eight months before the attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Al-Hammami "underwent Islamist radical indoctrination," though no direct evidence of this was provided in the sources. A now-deleted LinkedIn profile linked to Al-Hammami reportedly showed posts containing terror-related content, including images of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri and a video of an Israeli airline’s cockpit. Additionally, a deleted X account described him as "deeply religious and misogynistic," according to media reports.Emergency landing averted potential disaster, says UAE
The attack caused the aircraft to plummet more than 17,000 feet in less than 30 seconds, triggering a "general emergency" code. Passengers and crew managed to subdue the co-pilot after the pilot, Smit Machchhar, opened the cockpit door despite sustaining serious injuries. Israeli President Isaac Herzog noted that an Israeli woman on board alerted the crew to the commotion in the cockpit, leading to the intervention of several passengers, including an Israeli plumber who reportedly helped stabilize the plane. The aircraft, which reached a descent rate of 31,000 feet per minute, was eventually brought under control by two reserve pilots. The incident has raised questions about how Al-Hammami was allowed to operate a flight to Israel, given that Oman and Israel do not have formal diplomatic ties. Flydubai has since suspended all flights to Israel at the request of authorities.UAE and Israel label attack as 'terrorist act,' investigate motives
The UAE prosecutor general’s office described the incident as an "attempted terrorist attack," marking the first official confirmation from Emirati investigators. Israeli officials had previously labeled the event as a terrorist act, with Netanyahu stating that the co-pilot’s actions "could have been far worse." The UAE has launched a multi-agency investigation, including a team from the Public Prosecution, to determine the co-pilot’s motives and any potential links to extremist networks. Anwar Gargash, a senior UAE adviser to the president, emphasized that the incident underscored the region’s ongoing struggle against extremism. "The latest terrorist attack is another warning that the confrontation is not over," he wrote on X. UAE authorities have also called for stricter background checks for pilots, particularly those with histories of ideological radicalization.Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the co-pilot involved in the Flydubai incident?
The co-pilot has been identified as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national. He was previously barred from flying with Oman Air over concerns about extremist views and later joined Flydubai.
What weapon was used in the attack?
A crash axe, a standard emergency tool stored in aircraft cockpits, was used to attack the pilot. The weapon is typically used to cut through obstacles during emergencies, such as crashes or blocked exits.
Is the investigation into the incident ongoing?
Yes, UAE authorities have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. A special team from the Public Prosecution is examining the co-pilot’s motives, background, and potential connections to extremist activity.
The incident has sparked renewed debates about aviation security and the screening of pilots with potential ideological risks. As the UAE and international agencies continue their investigations, the focus remains on preventing similar incidents and ensuring the safety of commercial flights. The next major development will likely involve the release of the final investigation report, which is expected to detail the co-pilot’s motivations and any links to extremist networks.
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