Flydubai Co-Pilot Attacked Captain With Axe in Attempted Terrorist Act, UAE Says

Flydubai Co-Pilot Attacked Captain With Axe in Attempted Terrorist Act, UAE Says

The United Arab Emirates has said the co-pilot of a Flydubai passenger aircraft attacked the captain with a cockpit crash axe and attempted to take control of the plane in what investigators have described as an attempted terrorist act.

The incident occurred aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when the aircraft was forced to make an emergency diversion to Saudi Arabia.

According to the UAE Attorney General, Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, an investigation into the incident established that the co-pilot attacked the captain inside the flight deck with a crash axe before attempting to seize control of the aircraft.

The Boeing 737 reportedly plunged thousands of feet during the struggle, creating a potentially catastrophic situation for the 172 passengers and crew members on board.

The injured captain, identified as Smit Machchhar, managed to open the cockpit door and call for assistance despite sustaining injuries in the attack. Passengers and crew members then intervened, helping to overpower the co-pilot.

A reserve pilot who was travelling on the aircraft also assisted in stabilising the plane before it was diverted to Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

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The captain was subsequently taken to hospital in the UAE for treatment. His condition has been described as stable and improving.

The UAE Attorney General said investigators were continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including the motive, possible links and whether there were other people involved. Authorities are also examining physical and digital evidence as part of the investigation.

The co-pilot has been identified by international media as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national, although UAE authorities have not officially confirmed all details concerning his identity.

Earlier reports had raised questions about his aviation background and alleged previous concerns over extremist views. However, investigators have not publicly established the full circumstances behind those reports or confirmed any wider organisational link.

The incident has also prompted renewed scrutiny of pilot recruitment, aviation security and background checks, particularly after reports emerged about the co-pilot’s previous aviation history.

Flydubai has said a full official investigation is under way and that it is cooperating with the relevant authorities.

The airline’s chief executive, Ghaith Al Ghaith, praised the crew and passengers for their actions during the emergency and thanked Saudi authorities for their response after the aircraft diverted to Tabuk.

The UAE authorities have urged caution over unverified reports while the investigation continues, saying the final findings will be announced after the necessary procedures and examinations are completed.

The incident has been formally described by the UAE as an attempted terrorist act, but investigators are still working to establish the motive and whether the co-pilot acted alone or had any external connections. (The National)

Flydubai Co-Pilot Attacked Captain With Axe in Attempted Terrorist Act, UAE Says