Flydubai Co-Pilot Accused of 'Terrorist Act' After Attacking Colleague with Ax

An international investigation is currently underway after a Flydubai co-pilot allegedly attacked his colleague with a crash axe in what United Arab Emirates authorities have formally termed a "terrorist act." The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 30, during Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was bound for Israel. The co-pilot, identified as Omani national Hammam al-Hammami, reportedly assaulted Captain Smit Machchhar and attempted to seize control of the aircraft, causing it to plummet significantly and lose part of its rudder.

Despite sustaining serious injuries, Captain Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to intervene and subdue the attacker. Two reserve pilots who were onboard then safely landed the plane in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The UAE is leading the ongoing international probe into the incident, with assistance from countries including Israel and the United States, to fully ascertain the circumstances and motives behind the attack.

Reports indicate that Hammam al-Hammami had previously been flagged by Oman Air for extremist views and subsequently barred from flying duties in 2024 before being hired by Flydubai. Investigators are working to determine if al-Hammami acted independently or had connections to extremist groups, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested the co-pilot underwent "Islamist radicalization."