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Event / Disaster
FlyDubai Flight Security Incident
On October 1, 2026, a FlyDubai Boeing 737 flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced a critical security incident when a copilot stabbed the captain in the cockpit. Despite severe injuries, Captain Smit Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to restrain the attacker. The aircraft was stabilized and emergency-landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The copilot was arrested, and the captain recovered, later speaking with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his experience.
11 reported locations
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31 articles0 articles
2026-09-30 to 2026-10-31 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 30 Sept, 11:47 UTC
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What happened
FlyDubai copilot identified as 29-year-old Hammam Al-Hammami from Oman
The copilot who attacked the captain was identified as Hammam Al-Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani national with an Omani father and Syrian mother. He was overpowered by passengers during the attack and subsequently transferred to Saudi police after the emergency landing. He was later transferred to authorities in the United Arab Emirates.
FlyDubai copilot attacks captain with emergency axe on flight to Tel Aviv
On September 30, 2026, an Omani copilot attacked the Indian captain of a FlyDubai flight with an emergency axe while the aircraft was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Israel. The captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to overpower the attacker. The Boeing 737 aircraft, carrying 172 passengers and crew, experienced a sharp descent during the struggle but made an emergency landing in Tabuk, northwestern Saudi Arabia.
Omani authorities had previously barred Al-Hammami from flying due to security concerns
Omani aviation authorities had previously suspended Hammam Al-Hammami from flying, identifying him as a security risk. In 2024, while training as a pilot at Oman Air, he was found with extremist material and identified as having radical ideological opinions. He was allowed to remain at Oman Air but reassigned to an administrative position rather than pilot duties.
UAE prosecutor determines copilot attempted to commit terrorism
On October 3, 2026, the Attorney General of the United Arab Emirates concluded that the copilot 'attempted to commit a terrorist act.' The investigation revealed that the copilot attacked the captain in the cockpit and attempted to take control of the aircraft. The investigation was ongoing to determine the motivations behind the attack.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu claims attacker intended to crash plane over Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the attacker had 'undergone Islamic radicalization' and 'intended to crash the plane with its passengers.' According to the investigation, the suspect indicated that his intention was to crash the aircraft in Israel.
Al-Hammami left Oman Air and later joined FlyDubai
After being restricted from flying duties at Oman Air, Hammam Al-Hammami departed the airline and subsequently applied unsuccessfully to Emirates. He then joined FlyDubai, where he was eventually assigned as copilot on the flight to Tel Aviv.
Al-Hammami was suspected of radicalization after Syria travel
Omani authorities suspected that Hammam Al-Hammami had been influenced by radical Islamist groups during a stay in Syria. This concern about potential radicalization was cited as the reason for restricting his flying privileges in Oman.
Investigation underway regarding how restricted pilot was hired by FlyDubai
Investigators were attempting to determine how Hammam Al-Hammami, who had been identified as a security risk and restricted from flying by Omani authorities, was subsequently authorized to fly for FlyDubai and assigned as copilot on a flight to Israel. The suspect was reported to be cooperating with investigators.
FlydubaiCopilot attacks captain in cockpit during flight to Tel Aviv
On September 30, 2026, a copilot aboard FlydubaiFlydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv attacked the captain in the cockpit using a rescue axe. The copilot stabbed the Indian captain, who managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to restrain the attacker. The aircraft rapidly lost altitude during the struggle but successfully made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The flight carried 174 passengers and crew members.
Israeli Prime Minister claims attacker intended to crash aircraft
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the assailant had undergone Islamist radicalization and intended to crash the aircraft with all passengers aboard.
Investigation concludes copilot planned terrorist act
The United Arab Emirates Prosecutor General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi announced on October 3, 2026 that investigation findings established the copilot had begun executing a terrorist act. The copilot attacked the captain with the rescue axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft. The investigation continued to establish all circumstances and motivations behind the incident.
Copilot had prior security concerns and radicalization suspicions
The copilot, identified as Hammam Al-Hammami with an Omani father and Syrian mother, had been banned from flying by Omani authorities on security grounds. Authorities suspected he had been influenced by radical Islamist groups during time spent in Syria. He previously worked for Oman Air before joining FlydubaiFlydubai and had applied unsuccessfully to Emirates.
Captain Machchhar interviewed Prime Minister Modi about the attack
Captain Smit Machchhar spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a televised video call on Friday while recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital. During the call, Machchhar described his experience during the attack and credited his faith for giving him courage. Modi praised Machchhar's actions and noted that India was praying for his recovery.
Aircraft plunged over 14,000 feet in 30 seconds after cockpit attack
After the copilot stabbed Captain Machchhar, the Boeing 737 began a steep descent, dropping over 14,000 feet in 30 seconds. The aircraft descended sharply as the captain was incapacitated by the attack.
Captain opened cockpit door enabling passenger intervention to stop attack
Despite his serious injuries, Captain Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers on board to enter and restrain the attacker. This action enabled the intervention that prevented a potential catastrophe. Passengers and crew members who were pilots in training worked to stabilize the aircraft.
Captain Machchhar has 17 years of flying experience, 11 as captain
Captain Smit Machchhar, from Mumbai, India, has been flying aircraft for 17 years and serving as a captain for 11 years. He worked for FlyDubai for approximately four years. Prior to FlyDubai, he spent 11 years with SpiceJet, an Indian low-cost carrier, where he served as a senior commander and line training captain, accumulating over 9,750 flying hours.
FlyDubai flight emergency-landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
The FlyDubai flight was diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia for an emergency landing after the cockpit attack. The aircraft was secured and safely landed by on-duty crew members and pilots in training who were aboard the flight.
FlyDubai copilot stabbed captain during flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv
A copilot stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar on a FlyDubai Boeing 737 flight carrying 182 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The attack occurred in the cockpit and resulted in serious injuries to the captain, including stab wounds to the head and a severely injured arm. The attacker was an Omani national who was later arrested in Saudi Arabia.
Omani copilot arrested and interrogated in Saudi Arabia
The copilot, an Omani national, was arrested in Saudi Arabia following the attack on the FlyDubai flight. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the arrest and stated that the attacker was undergoing interrogation. The motive for the attack remained unclear at the time of reporting.
Captain Machchhar recovering in Abu Dhabi hospital
After the emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, Captain Machchhar was transported to a hospital in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he was recovering from his injuries. He was reported to be in stable condition with head wounds and other serious injuries sustained during the attack.
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2 alternative perspectives
Replacement aircraft returns stranded passengers to Israel after emergency landing
Replacement aircraft returned diverted passengers to Israel eight hours after emergency landing.
Israel escalates security protocols following classified terrorist attack designation
Israel designates incident as terrorism, scrambles jets, and implements elevated flight security measures.
Israeli co-pilot arrested in Saudi Arabia after hijacking attempt
Israeli co-pilot arrested in Saudi Arabia after hijacking attempt, creating diplomatic tensions.
Co-pilot stabbed captain; passengers subdued attacker mid-flight
Co-pilot stabbed captain on FlyDubai flight; passengers subdued attacker; aircraft emergency landed safely in Tabuk.
Israel mobilizes military response and passenger repatriation operations
Israel mobilized fighter jets and launched passenger repatriation efforts following the aircraft diversion.
FlyDubai Flight Diverted After In-Flight Emergency Response Protocol Activated
FlyDubai flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after in-flight emergency incident and sudden altitude loss.