The United Arab Emirates has described the attack aboard a Flydubai passenger flight as a “terrorist act” after an Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked the Indian captain inside the cockpit and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
The incident happened on September 30 aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to the UAE Attorney General, the co-pilot used the aircraft’s emergency crash axe to attack Captain Smit Machchhar before trying to take control of the flight controls. The plane later made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Passengers and Crew Helped Stop the Attack
The attack took place while the aircraft was flying over Saudi Arabia. The aircraft experienced a sharp loss of altitude during the confrontation.
Despite being injured, Captain Machchhar was able to open the cockpit door. Passengers and crew members then intervened and helped overpower the co-pilot.
Two reserve pilots who were onboard subsequently helped take control of the aircraft, allowing it to land safely at Tabuk Airport. Reports say more than 170 people were aboard the flight.
The UAE Attorney General said investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances, possible motive and any connections related to the incident. Authorities are also analyzing physical and digital evidence as part of the investigation.
Co-Pilot Identified as Hamam al-Hammami
The co-pilot has been identified by multiple media outlets as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national.
The Associated Press reported that people familiar with the investigation said Omani authorities had previously prevented him from flying because of concerns about extremist views. Questions are now being raised about his employment history and the extent to which those concerns were known during his later recruitment.
Reports indicate that al-Hammami had worked for Oman Air and later had connections to Royal Air Maroc before joining Flydubai.
However, investigators have not yet publicly established a complete explanation for his actions or confirmed whether anyone else was involved.
Social Media Accounts Under Investigation
Investigators are also examining online accounts reportedly connected to al-Hammami.
According to reports, a LinkedIn profile carrying his name was later removed. The profile reportedly listed aviation-related employment and education in the United Kingdom.
Reports have also highlighted videos and other material that appeared on an account believed to have belonged to him shortly before or on the day of the incident. Some of the material reportedly referenced former al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri and another extremist figure.
However, these details have not been independently confirmed as belonging to the co-pilot by all news organizations. The reported online material is therefore being treated as part of the investigation rather than established evidence of motive.
UAE Investigation Continues
The UAE Attorney General has said the investigation will examine the suspect's motives, possible links and the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
The UAE has officially characterized the incident as an attempted terrorist act, while investigators continue to establish what motivated the co-pilot and whether there were any wider connections.
The incident has also raised questions about aviation security and the background checks conducted on pilots who move between airlines and countries.
Captain Smit Machchhar remains under medical care and has been reported to be recovering. India's Ministry of External Affairs said Saturday that he was recovering well and remained under excellent medical care.
The investigation remains ongoing, and several details about the co-pilot's background, possible motive and the events inside the cockpit have yet to be fully established.
