Sunday 4 October 2026
Afternoon EditionRSS
ZOTPAPER

News without the noise

ZOTPAPER
WorldDeveloping

Flydubai co-pilot identified as Omani national, UAE declares attack a 'terrorist act'

Hamam al-Hammami, reportedly barred from flying over extremist views, used crash axe on captain during Dubai-Tel Aviv flight

By LineZotpaper
Published
Updated
Read Time2 min
Sources6 outlets
The United Arab Emirates has declared a 'terrorist attack' after revealing that the co-pilot of a Flydubai flight to Israel used a crash axe to attack the captain, sending the plane into a 17,000-foot plunge. The suspect has been identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, who was reportedly barred from flying in Oman due to concerns over extremist views.

The UAE prosecutor general said the co-pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073 attempted to take control of the aircraft using a crash axe, which is normally kept in the cockpit for emergencies. The attack occurred two and a half hours into the journey from Dubai to Tel Aviv, with 182 people on board.

Captain Smit Machchhar said he was lying on the floor injured when he realised the plane was sinking and forced open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to overpower the attacker. Two reserve pilots then landed the plane safely in Saudi Arabia.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News that after being subdued, the attacker called out "Kill me, kill me!" and appeared suicidal. Netanyahu said the suspect "underwent Islamist radical indoctrination" and that it looked "very likely that he was going to down the plane."

Al Jazeera reported that the accused co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, was reportedly barred from flying in Oman due to concerns over extremist views. The UAE attorney general said investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances and motives.

§

Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The incident raises serious questions about aviation security screening and background checks for flight crew across borders.
  • The UAE's designation of the attack as terrorism underscores broader regional security concerns amid heightened tensions.
  • Passengers and crew face ongoing psychological trauma, and the aviation industry may review cockpit access protocols and emergency procedures.

Background

Flydubai is a Dubai-based low-cost carrier that operates flights across the Middle East, including to Israel. On Wednesday, flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv was approximately two and a half hours into its journey when the co-pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe, causing the plane to lose altitude rapidly. Passengers and reserve pilots intervened, and the aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia. The captain, Smit Machchhar, sustained injuries but survived. The suspect, an Omani national, was taken into custody.

Key Perspectives

UAE authorities: The prosecutor general has framed the attack as a terrorist act and is investigating possible links to extremist groups. The UAE has not disclosed the suspect's full background or motives. Israeli government: Prime Minister Netanyahu has characterised the attacker as suicidal and radicalised, stating it was clear he intended to crash the plane. Israel has offered cooperation in the investigation. Aviation security experts: The incident highlights gaps in vetting of flight crew, particularly when pilots move between countries. The suspect was reportedly barred from flying in Oman but was able to work for a UAE carrier.

What to Watch

  • Whether the UAE releases a detailed investigative report or charges the suspect with terrorism offences.
  • Potential changes to international aviation security protocols regarding cockpit weapons and crew background checks.
  • Any diplomatic fallout between Oman, the UAE, and Israel if the attacker's radicalisation is linked to broader networks.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

How we workReport an errorSubscribe