Full Breakdown
The Attempted Hijacking of Flydubai Flight FZ1073
By Drooid · · How we work
Background & Context
On September 30, 2026 a Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 departed Dubai for Tel Aviv with 174 passengers, most Israeli, and a crew that included Omani first-officer Hamam al-Hammami. The route, opened after the Abraham Accords, is subject to Israeli security rules that bar pilots from countries without diplomatic ties with Israel.
Timeline
- 09:15 a.m. – Al-Hammami asks to pray, then retrieves the cockpit emergency axe.
- 09:20 a.m. – He strikes Captain Smit Machchhar, severing the captain’s arm and attempts to close the cockpit door.
- 09:21 a.m. – Autopilot is disengaged; the aircraft dives ~16,000 ft in 30 seconds, shedding part of the rudder.
- 09:31 a.m. – Passengers, including several with military training, breach the cockpit after Machchhar opens the door.
- 09:38 a.m. – The crew transmits the hijack code (7500).
- ?10:57 a.m. – The plane lands safely at Tabuk Airport in north-western Saudi Arabia; al-Hammami is detained and later transferred to the UAE.
Core Event – Midair Attack and Emergency Landing
The co-pilot’s assault was intended to seize control and crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport or a U.S. military site in Jordan. Passengers and two off-duty pilots subdued al-Hammami, stabilised the aircraft, and completed an emergency landing. All aboard survived, though Captain Machchhar sustained serious injuries.
Data & Statistics
Under the Montreal Convention, liability for airline-related injury is capped at 151,880 special drawing rights—about $210,000 per passenger. Compensation beyond this ceiling requires proof of airline negligence. Claims must be filed within two years, and psychological injury claims need psychiatric evaluation.
Official Statements & Responses
UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi classified the incident a “terrorist act” and announced a full investigation. Israel’s Ministry of Transportation said it relies on airlines’ own vetting procedures and does not conduct background checks of crew members. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the attack as “revenge for Gaza” and warned that anyone who directed the pilot would face severe consequences.
Criticism & Opposition
Transportation Minister Miri Regev faced calls for resignation from opposition leaders, who argued the ministry ignored Shin Bet warnings about foreign-crew security. Former NSC head Eyal Hulata accused the government of a “system collapse” and of using the National Security Council to shield the prime minister from responsibility.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Perpetrator’s motive: Israeli officials cite revenge for Gaza; other sources say the motive remains under investigation.
- Al-Hammami’s affiliations: Some investigations label the act a lone-wolf attack; others note probes into possible extremist links.
- Crew involvement: Investigators concluded other crew members were not complicit, despite early passenger speculation that was later dismissed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Under section 21 of the Montreal Convention , the liability of an air carrier is limited to 151,880 special drawing rights, which is currently equivalent to $210,000 per passenger,” — Shay Ben-Haim
- “The blows kept coming … That’s when I realised that it’s not the aircraft, it’s the other guy who was in the cockpit with me.” — Smit Machchhar
What’s Next
The UAE indicated al-Hammami could face the death penalty, while Israel ordered a comprehensive review of security procedures for foreign airlines. A multi-agency examination led by the National Security Council will report on foreign-civil-aviation security before the Israeli election in late October 2026. International investigations will continue to examine al-Hammami’s prior travel and online activity.