The United Arab Emirates has described the incident aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv as a “terrorist act”, saying the co-pilot attacked the captain inside the cockpit with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
The incident took place aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. The aircraft was carrying passengers and crew when the confrontation between the two pilots unfolded.
Co-Pilot Allegedly Tried To Seize Control
UAE Federal Prosecutor Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said an investigation had established that the co-pilot attacked the captain using the emergency crash axe kept inside the cockpit. He also allegedly attempted to take control of the aircraft’s flight controls.
Authorities said the investigation is continuing to determine the full circumstances of the incident, the suspect’s motive and whether there were any connections to other individuals or organisations. Investigators are also examining physical and digital evidence.
The co-pilot has been identified in reports as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national. Sources cited by international media said investigations are examining whether he acted alone or had links to extremist groups. These details remain subject to the ongoing investigation.
Aircraft Plunged Thousands Of Feet
During the cockpit confrontation, the aircraft reportedly experienced a dramatic loss of altitude, dropping from around 33,000 feet to approximately 17,000 feet in about a minute.
The injured captain, Smit Machchhar, managed to open the cockpit door and alert others on board. A reserve pilot and passengers then intervened, helping to overpower the co-pilot and regain control of the aircraft.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Saudi authorities arrested the alleged attacker following the emergency landing.
Investigation Into Motive Continues
The UAE-led investigation is now examining the motive behind the attack and whether it was independently planned or involved outside connections. Authorities have not yet released a final account of the suspect’s motives.
Flydubai has said it is cooperating with the official investigation and has urged that the process be allowed to establish the facts. The airline has also praised the crew and passengers who helped bring the situation under control.
The incident has also renewed scrutiny of aviation security and the vetting of cockpit crew, particularly the possibility of threats originating from inside an aircraft rather than from passengers.
The UAE prosecutor said the final findings will be announced after all investigative and technical procedures are completed.
