United Arab Emirates officials have launched a comprehensive terrorism investigation into an attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight carrying over 170 passengers and crew. According to UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi, the co-pilot of flight FZ1073 allegedly planned a 9/11-inspired attack targeting the passenger terminal at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport before being subdued by crew and passengers in the cockpit.
The security incident unfolded on September 30 during a scheduled flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Prosecutors stated that the 29-year-old Omani national, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, attacked the aircraft’s captain, Smit Machchhar, with an emergency crash axe in an attempt to seize control of the aircraft over northern Saudi Arabia.
Details of the Cockpit Attack and Emergency Landing
According to official investigation findings released by UAE authorities, the co-pilot inflicted severe head injuries on Captain Machchhar. Despite his wounds, the captain resisted the assault and signaled for assistance.
A second relief pilot traveling on board noticed the cockpit door opening and closing unusually. After entering the cockpit using the access code, he witnessed the ongoing attack and immediately intervened alongside a cabin crew member and several passengers. The group successfully restrained the suspect.
The relief captain and co-pilot then stabilized the aircraft, which briefly tracked over northern Saudi Arabia and Jordan before executing an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. Medical teams treated the injured captain and the suspect before both were repatriated to the UAE under tight security.
Extremist Radicalization Traced Back to Australia
UAE state news agency WAM reported that investigators determined signs of the suspect’s radicalization first emerged in 2017 while he was studying in Australia. Prosecutors stated that he became influenced by extremist ideology through reading literature and consuming online content that glorified organizations and attacks.
During interrogations conducted in the presence of his legal counsel, the suspect confessed that he acted alone and drew direct inspiration from the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States. He admitted to preparing himself both psychologically and physically, which included boxing training under a private coach and using two prior flights to Tel Aviv to familiarize himself with the route and airport layout.
Scrutiny Over Recruitment Checks and Security Vetting
The investigation examined Flydubai’s recruitment protocols and confirmed that the suspect met all professional and security requirements for employment. He held a valid pilot’s license, provided a certificate of good conduct, and cleared standard background checks prior to joining the airline in January 2026, having previously worked for Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc.
Officials continue to review technical data, digital evidence, and potential overseas associates to verify whether the suspect truly acted entirely on his own. Meanwhile, Israeli leaders and international officials have praised the bravery of Captain Machchhar and the passengers who intervened, averting what could have been a catastrophic mass-casualty disaster.
