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Flydubai Suspends Israel Flights After Co-Pilot Axe Attack

By Drooid · Oct 4, 2026, 3:59 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Flydubai Suspends Israel Flights

Flydubai announced suspension of all flights to Israel pending investigation outcome.
UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi said the probe will examine terrorist links and cooperate with Israeli authorities.
The Omani co-pilot was arrested in Saudi Arabia and transferred to Abu Dhabi for further questioning.
A crash axe, standard cockpit emergency equipment, became a focal point of security scrutiny after the attack.

Summary

Al-Hammami Axe Attack

Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe on Flight FZ1073.
The assault on Oct 2, 2026 caused the Boeing 737 MAX 8 to lose over 17,000 feet in two minutes.
Passengers and two off-duty pilots overpowered al-Hammami, regained control and landed at Tabuk airport.
Investigations revealed al-Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani barred by Oman Air in 2024, was hired without record checks.

Summary

U.S. Senate Approves

The U.S. Senate approved a mental-health-for-pilots bill, which now awaits House action in response to recent aviation incidents.
Juliette Kayyem said the legislation would fund services for pilots showing stress or mental-health signs to improve safety.
John Gradek noted the flight’s 180-degree turn into Jordanian airspace before heading to Tabuk remains unexplained in the ongoing investigation.

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Flydubai Suspends Israel Flights

Flydubai announced suspension of all flights to Israel pending investigation outcome.
UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi said the probe will examine terrorist links and cooperate with Israeli authorities.
The Omani co-pilot was arrested in Saudi Arabia and transferred to Abu Dhabi for further questioning.
A crash axe, standard cockpit emergency equipment, became a focal point of security scrutiny after the attack.

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