Full Breakdown
Omani Co-Pilot’s Attempted Hijack of Flydubai Flight 1073
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Incident
On September 30, Flydubai Flight 1073 was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv when co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national, attacked Indian captain Smit Machchhar with an emergency crash axe. The assault caused the aircraft to lose more than 16,000 feet of altitude in roughly 30 seconds. Despite a severe head wound, Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to subdue al-Hammami. Two off-duty pilots regained control and executed an emergency landing in Tabuk, north-western Saudi Arabia. The flight carried more than 170 people, including over 150 Israeli citizens.
Background & Context
Al-Hammami spent six months in New Zealand from 30 Nov 2018 to 23 May 2019 for part of his training, according to Assistant Commissioner Michael Johnson. Prior to joining Flydubai, he was barred from flying in Oman over concerns about “radicalisation” and later worked as a trainee for Oman Air in 2024 before moving to an administrative role. Israeli officials note he had previously operated a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv earlier in 2026 and had considered hijacking that aircraft.
Timeline
- 30 Nov 2018 – Arrival in New Zealand (student visa).
- 23 May 2019 – Departure from New Zealand.
- 30 Sept 2026 – Attack aboard Flight 1073; emergency descent and safe landing in Tabuk.
- 5 Oct 2026 – CBS reports Israel’s readiness to shoot down the aircraft had it continued toward Israeli airspace.
- 6 Oct 2026 – Reuters confirms al-Hammami’s New Zealand training period.
Data & Statistics
- Passengers/crew: > 170 (majority Israeli).
- Israeli nationals on board: > 150.
- Altitude loss: > 16,000 ft in ? 30 s.
- Landing: Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, at 10:57 am local time.
Official Statements & Responses
UAE prosecutor-general classified the incident as a “terrorist attack.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a security review of foreign airlines flying to Israel and warned that pilots from countries without diplomatic ties, such as Oman, would be barred. He also said Israel was prepared to shoot down the aircraft under its “rogue-flight” protocol.
Israeli Air Force scrambled fighter jets and closed national airspace, but recalled them when the aircraft turned toward Saudi Arabia. Israeli officials described the event as a “lone-wolf” attack, while U.S. President Donald Trump suggested Iranian involvement, a claim not corroborated by investigators.
Why It Matters / Impact
The episode highlights vulnerabilities in crew-screening procedures for flights to conflict-sensitive destinations and may prompt stricter vetting of pilots from nations lacking diplomatic relations with Israel.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Motive: Some sources cite al-Hammami’s statements that the attack was “revenge for Gaza” and a desire to “die as a martyr.” U.S. officials have not confirmed any link to Iran or an external terrorist organization.
- Planning: Reports differ on whether al-Hammami had a concrete plan to crash at Ben Gurion Airport before joining Flydubai, with some asserting pre-employment intent and others noting the plan was abandoned after learning of a passenger on a prior flight.
These discrepancies remain under investigation as authorities examine al-Hammami’s communications, travel history, and prior employment records.