FlyDubai Cockpit Attack Prompts Security Review

Israeli investigators believe the alleged attempted hijacking of a FlyDubai flight was likely carried out by a lone individual, according to sources familiar with an early investigation. Officials continue to examine all possibilities. The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday when, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, passengers and the captain, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and tried to crash the aircraft. The captain fought back and unlocked the cockpit; Israeli passengers and FlyDubai staff subdued the co-pilot. Two off-duty pilots aboard took control, and the aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The co-pilot was questioned by Saudi authorities and was later in the United Arab Emirates for a second round of interrogation. Israel sent representatives to the UAE to take part in the investigation. U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the co-pilot might be linked to Iran, but said the matter was still being investigated. Netanyahu said the motive remained unknown and initially described the incident as appearing more like a suicide attempt than a hijacking. He later said the co-pilot had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination, citing personal information collected during questioning, and reported that the man shouted, “Kill me, kill me!” after being subdued. The co-pilot had not been publicly identified at the time of the report. Sources told CBS News his name was Hamam al Hamami, an Omani citizen. They said he previously worked for Oman Air, where government surveillance reportedly found he visited radical websites. The airline moved him to an office role, and he later resigned. Sources also said he once posted a video of El Al aircraft in Dubai that ended with an image of al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. After moving to Dubai, al Hamami was hired by FlyDubai, which sources said did not vet him with the Omani government. His parents are Syrian and Omani, and sources said possible dual citizenship could explain how he was permitted to fly to Israel. Oman has not publicly confirmed his nationality.

Lital Hirschl-Shahar, 39, says she and her four daughters were terrified when a suspected hijacking unfolded aboard flydubai Flight 1073, traveling to Israel after a family vacation in Singapore and Thailand. She recalled hearing that the pilot was under attack and that the cockpit was covered in blood, followed by the aircraft rapidly descending. Believing they might die, she prayed and told her daughters—ages 14, 11, 7 and 5—to pray for a miracle. The article identifies co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami as the suspected attacker. Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed multiple times but fought back and opened the cockpit door, alerting passengers to the crisis. Passenger Yaniv Hayun and other men helped restrain al-Hammami and give first aid to the captain. During the confrontation, the plane reportedly plunged about 18,000 feet in 12 minutes, and its rudder was damaged. Hayun, a plumber, helped stabilize the aircraft using knowledge he said he had gained from the documentary series “Mayday.” Two off-duty pilots aboard assisted with an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, where the aircraft arrived safely. Hirschl-Shahar described the passengers’ survival as “a miracle wrapped in a miracle wrapped in a miracle.” Her family is now home recovering, although her seven-year-old daughter developed a fever after the stressful event. Hirschl-Shahar also said she has had to contend with social-media claims that the attempted hijacking was staged, which she said diminish the frightening experience endured by her family and the other 173 passengers.

Israeli investigators believe Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain and trying to take control of a flight bound for Tel Aviv, probably acted alone. Sources cited by CNN said investigators have not found a known connection between al-Hammami and any group or government, though the investigation remains open. This finding contrasts with US President Donald Trump’s earlier suggestion, without providing details, that the suspect might be linked to Iran. The UAE attorney general has called the incident an attempted terrorist act. The incident occurred on September 30 aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Al-Hammami allegedly struck Captain Smit Machchhar with a cockpit crash axe and attempted to seize control. Although wounded, Machchhar activated the cockpit-door mechanism, allowing crew and passengers to enter and subdue the co-pilot. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Investigators are also examining whether al-Hammami tried to bring down the Boeing 737. A report by Italy’s Corriere della Sera, cited by Ynet News, said they were looking into whether he switched both engine fuel controls from “Run” to “Cutoff.” The report further alleged that, after disabling autopilot, he put the aircraft into a steep descent, possibly aiming to crash it in the Saudi desert as others thwarted his takeover attempt. The article notes that al-Hammami, 29, previously worked for Oman Air and, according to CNN, was removed from that job amid concerns about extremist views. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination,” based on information from questioning, but offered no further detail. The incident has prompted scrutiny of aviation security and crew vetting. Israeli authorities received passenger and crew names before departure, but the transportation ministry said its procedures did not include checking crew identities. With Oman lacking formal diplomatic relations with Israel, Netanyahu described the case as exposing a security “loophole.” Israel has ordered a review of security procedures for foreign civil aviation.