Omani Co-Pilot’s Attack on FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 Triggers Security Scrutiny

On September 30, 2026, FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 departed Dubai for Tel Aviv when co-pilot Hamam Al Hammami stabbed captain Smit Machchhar. The Boeing 737-MAX 8 entered a rapid descent of more than 17,000 feet. Passengers, including off-duty pilots, broke into the cockpit, restrained the attacker, and steadied the plane. It diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely.

Newsweek

Al Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani national, had been suspended by Oman Air in 2024 after extremist material was found on his phone. He later joined FlyDubai, which operates the Dubai-Tel Aviv route established under the 2020 Abraham Accords.

New York Post

• Hamam Al Hammami – Omani attacker.

New York Post

• Smit Machchhar – Captain, wounded while defending the cockpit.

Omani National Hamam al-Hammami Identified as flydubai Co-Pilot Who Attacked Indian Captain

• Benjamin Netanyahu – Israeli prime minister, commenting on radicalization.

Suspect in FlyDubai incident was previously identified as security risk: Officials

• Yaniv Hayoun – Passenger who helped steady the aircraft.

Suspect in FlyDubai incident was previously identified as security risk: Officials

• September 30, 2026 – Flight departs Dubai; co-pilot attacks captain; plane diverts to Tabuk; passengers subdue attacker.

Newsweek

• October 3, 2026 – Hamam Al Hammami publicly identified as the co-pilot involved.

Flydubai Co-Pilot Hamam Al-Hammami Identified: Barred From Flying In Oman, Spent Time In Syria, Reportedly Held ‘Radical Views’ – What We Know About His Background

• Aircraft: Boeing 737-MAX 8.

Suspect in FlyDubai incident was previously identified as security risk: Officials

• Occupants: 174 passengers and 8 crew (total 182).

Newsday

• Descent: more than 17,000 feet from cruising altitude.

Omani Co-Pilot Stabs Flydubai Captain, Forces Diversion to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia: how 1014 outlets framed it

FlyDubai’s CEO announced a temporary suspension of Tel Aviv operations pending investigation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacker had undergone Islamist radicalization and authorities are probing possible direction. Israeli agencies, including Shin Bet and Mossad, opened a multi-agency investigation. Oman Air and the Omani embassy declined comment.

CNN

Captain Machchhar described fighting to open the cockpit door while severely wounded, allowing passengers to intervene. Passenger Yaniv Hayoun pulled back on the controls until an off-duty pilot assumed command.

Omani Co-Pilot Stabs Flydubai Captain, Forces Diversion to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia: how 1014 outlets framed it

• Some accounts differ on whether a weapon was visible in the cockpit.

Omani Co-Pilot Stabs Flydubai Captain, Forces Diversion to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia: how 1014 outlets framed it

• It is unclear if FlyDubai was aware of Al Hammami’s prior suspension.

Suspect in FlyDubai incident was previously identified as security risk: Officials

• The exact content of the 2024 extremist material has not been disclosed.

Newsweek

• “We are now investigating whether he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price,” — Benjamin Netanyahu

Suspect in FlyDubai incident was previously identified as security risk: Officials

The incident highlights gaps in pilot vetting for regional airlines operating routes linked to the Abraham Accords, prompting calls for stricter crew security protocols.

New York Post

Israeli, Saudi and UAE authorities continue a terrorism investigation. FlyDubai’s suspension of Tel Aviv flights remains in effect until investigation results are released.

CNN