Story perspectives

Israeli passengers subdued co-pilot, forced Flydubai landing

By Drooid · Oct 7, 2026, 2:06 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Israeli passengers broke into the cockpit and subdued co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami.
Off-duty pilots took control, set the transponder to 7500 and landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia at 10:57 a.m.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a security review after the Omani co-pilot’s attack on the Flydubai flight.
UAE officials say al-Hammami faces the death penalty, while Israeli leaders blame a security loophole that let him fly.

History

Historical Context

The 3 July 1976 Israeli raid on Entebbe—prompted by the hijacking of Air France Flight 139 that held 248 passengers—killed all seven hijackers, 45 Ugandan soldiers, and rescued 102 hostages. The operation spurred global aviation-security reforms, leading Israel and Saudi Arabia to tighten pilot vetting and cockpit protocols, a legacy echoed in today’s Flydubai breach.

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Story summary

Israeli passengers broke into the cockpit and subdued co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami.
Off-duty pilots took control, set the transponder to 7500 and landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia at 10:57 a.m.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a security review after the Omani co-pilot’s attack on the Flydubai flight.
UAE officials say al-Hammami faces the death penalty, while Israeli leaders blame a security loophole that let him fly.

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