FlyDubai Co-Pilot Attacks Captain Mid-Flight; Passengers Help Subdue Attacker Before Safe Landing
Developing story first seen 56 minutes ago
New details suggest the co-pilot had previously been removed from flying in Oman after concerns that his time in Syria may have exposed him to extremist influence. He was later hired by FlyDubai, and officials are investigating whether he acted alone or had links to extremist groups, raising questions about how airlines assess security risks.
Omani national Hamam Al Hammami, 29, is accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar with a cockpit crash axe and trying to seize control of Flight FZ1073, which was carrying 182 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The plane dropped 14,000 feet in 29 seconds before passengers and crew subdued him; it diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely. UAE officials say Al Hammami had undergone standard security checks, while the investigation continues.
- The co-pilot had earlier been removed from flying in Oman over concerns about possible radical influence.
- He is accused of attacking the captain and attempting to take control of a flight with 182 people aboard.
- The aircraft diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely after passengers and crew intervened.
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FlyDubai is a low-cost airline based in the United Arab Emirates. On a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 182 passengers aboard, the aircraft's first officer – the pilot who ranks second in command in the cockpit – attacked the captain using a crash axe, a specialised emergency tool kept in the cockpit.
The assault caused the aircraft to descend rapidly, but passengers managed to enter the cockpit and help subdue the attacker. The crew regained control and diverted to land the aircraft safely, triggering an emergency investigation.
The incident raises questions about how airlines vet their crew members and what security measures protect the cockpit. Authorities are examining what allowed the first officer to operate the flight and whether there were any weaknesses in cockpit security.
Coverage
- BBC World — Flydubai co-pilot attacked captain with crash axe, UAE official says
- Daily Mail — Omani FlyDubai first officer accused of attacking colleague on Israel-bound flight