An attempted hijacking aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on October 3, 2026, was narrowly averted after passengers and crew members overpowered a co-pilot who attacked the aircraft captain with a crash axe. The flight, carrying 182 people on board, was forced to make an emergency diversion to Saudi Arabia following the mid-air struggle.
Flight FZ1073 Plunges 17,000 Feet During Mid-Air Struggle
Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was approximately two and a half hours into its journey toward Tel Aviv when chaos erupted in the cockpit. According to investigations by United Arab Emirates authorities, the co-pilot, identified by western and Gulf officials as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, used a standard crash axe-an emergency tool typically stored inside the cockpit-to launch a sudden attack on the captain.
The aircraft suddenly plunged nearly 17,000 feet in just over 30 seconds, reaching an extreme descent rate that reportedly ripped off a portion of the rudder. The flight crew signaled a general emergency before switching the transponder to squawk 7500, the international code for an unlawful interference or hijacking situation.
Captain’s Heroic Effort and Passenger Intervention
Despite suffering multiple stab wounds from the attacker inside the locked cockpit, Captain Smit Machchhar used his remaining strength to unlock the door from the inside. This crucial action allowed alert passengers and off-duty crew members to rush into the cockpit after hearing loud commotion and distress noises.
Passenger Yaniv Hayun played a pivotal role in subduing the attacker, placing al-Hammami in a chokehold and pulling him out of the cockpit into the cabin. Other passengers and crew members quickly joined in to pin the co-pilot down.
“I was lying on the floor injured but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside,” Captain Machchhar said during a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I was of course fighting for my own life, but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die.”
With the attacker restrained in the cabin, two reserve pilots who were onboard the flight stepped forward to enter the cockpit, stabilize the aircraft, and safely land at Tabuk airport in north-western Saudi Arabia at 06:58 local time.
Security Background Checks and Investigation Underway
The incident has triggered intense international scrutiny regarding aviation recruitment processes and background checks. Reports from outlets including The Wall Street Journal indicate that al-Hammami had previously been barred from flying by Omani authorities due to concerns that he had adopted extremist views. He was reportedly moved to an administrative role at Oman Air before being hired by Dubai-based budget carrier Flydubai.
Senior officials, including UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have condemned the episode as a dangerous act of extremist radicalization. Security agencies from multiple regional nations, alongside counterparts from the United States and other western governments, are currently investigating whether al-Hammami acted as a lone wolf or maintained direct ties to extremist groups.
Flydubai announced the immediate suspension of its flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv until further notice as the multi-national investigation into the security breach continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What flight was involved in the attempted hijacking?
The incident involved Flydubai Flight FZ1073 traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on October 3, 2026.
Who was the co-pilot accused of the attack?
Investigative reports and officials identified the co-pilot as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national.
What weapon did the co-pilot use?
The co-pilot used a crash axe, an emergency tool normally kept inside the aircraft cockpit for safety and fire emergencies.
How did the flight end safely?
After the captain unlocked the cockpit door while injured, passengers and crew members rushed in to overpower and restrain the attacker. Two reserve pilots onboard then took control of the aircraft and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Were there any prior warnings about the co-pilot?
Reports indicated that al-Hammami had previously been barred from flying by Oman over concerns regarding extremist views before he was hired by Flydubai.
