Full Breakdown
Flydubai Flight FZ1073: Cockpit Attack, Near-Crash and Ongoing Investigation
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
- When: September 30, 2026.
- What: On flydubai flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 bound for Tel Aviv, co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami (Omani national) used a crash axe to stab captain Smit Machchhar and tried to seize the controls.
- How: The aircraft dropped about 16,600 ft in 30 seconds, then stabilized after the wounded captain opened the cockpit door. Passengers and two off-duty pilots overpowered the attacker and landed safely at Tabuk Airport, Saudi Arabia.
Background & Context
Al-Hammami had been barred from flying in Oman over “extremist views” (Wall Street Journal) and was later hired by flydubai. Israel normally excludes pilots from countries without diplomatic ties, raising questions about vetting on the UAE-Israel route created by the 2020 Abraham Accords. Crash axes are standard emergency tools stored in cockpits.
Data & Statistics
- People on board: reports range from 174 to 182 passengers plus 8 crew.
- Descent: loss of ? 16,625 ft in just over 30 seconds; rate ? 544 ft/s (Flightradar24).
- Distress signals: squawk 7700 (general emergency) followed by 7500 (unlawful interference).
Official Statements & Responses
- UAE: Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi called it an “attempted terrorist attack” and announced a UAE-led probe.
- Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Oct 1) said the co-pilot “underwent radical Islamist indoctrination” and appeared suicidal; on Oct 2 he warned that anyone who directed the attack would “pay a very heavy price.”
- flydubai: CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith (Oct 3) described the incident as a “safety incident” and pledged full cooperation.
- Saudi Arabia: detained the co-pilot and transferred both pilots to the UAE for medical care; the captain recovered in Tabuk before moving to Abu Dhabi.
Criticism & Opposition
Aviation-security analyst Arik Arad argued that pilot screening was inadequate, noting the co-pilot’s prior removal from Oman’s airline. Jon Alterman, CSIS, warned the UAE’s security reputation could suffer if vetting lapses persist.
On-the-Ground Reports
Captain Machchhar, lying on the cockpit floor, recalled the aircraft plunging and forcing the door open despite severe wounds. Dr. Shota Musaev, a dentist on board, treated the captain and helped tie the co-pilot with ear-phone cables.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Passenger count: sources cite 174 or 182 people.
- Weapon origin: Netanyahu suggested the axe could have been smuggled or taken from standard equipment; investigators have not confirmed.
- Motive: Israeli officials label the act terrorism, while some experts see a possible lone-wolf incident; no definitive motive established.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The attacker, he calls out to the aircrew: ‘Kill me, kill me,’” — Benjamin Netanyahu
- “We are now investigating whether he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price,” — Benjamin Netanyahu
- “I was fighting for my life,” — Capt. Smit Machchhar
- “Until this event, the possibility of a threat originating from a pilot or crew member was not considered a likely scenario.” — Eyal Hulata
What’s Next
- The UAE will complete a full technical and digital examination of the aircraft; findings will be released after “necessary procedures.”
- Israeli and Emirati investigators are scheduled to question the co-pilot in the UAE.
- flydubai has suspended all flights to Israel pending the investigation; repatriation flights for stranded passengers are already operating.