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UAE Investigators Say Flydubai Co-Pilot Planned Suicide Strike

By Drooid · Oct 17, 2026, 10:42 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Machchhar Survives Axe

flydubai captain Smit Machchhar survived an axe attack by Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami.
Al-Hammami struck Machchhar’s head and hand, causing bleeding and narrowed vision.
A fellow pilot and passengers subdued the attacker and regained aircraft control.
UAE investigators said al-Hammami planned a suicide strike on Ben Gurion Airport’s terminal, inspired by 9/11.
Machchhar remained in an Abu Dhabi hospital, bandaged, recalling his children’s thoughts that kept him fighting.

Summary

Bacharach Recommends Cameras

Aviation security experts propose remotely activated cockpit cameras triggered by distress signals.
Brig. Gen. (res.) Dr. Mena Bacharach recommends the system to let ground personnel monitor emergencies.
Aharon Lapidot warns the technology could create privacy and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
United Airlines removed Captain Ibrahim R. Mossallam from service pending review of his 2023 posts.
Authorities have not disclosed charges for the two Maldivian co-pilots detained in the UAE.

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Machchhar Survives Axe

flydubai captain Smit Machchhar survived an axe attack by Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami.
Al-Hammami struck Machchhar’s head and hand, causing bleeding and narrowed vision.
A fellow pilot and passengers subdued the attacker and regained aircraft control.
UAE investigators said al-Hammami planned a suicide strike on Ben Gurion Airport’s terminal, inspired by 9/11.
Machchhar remained in an Abu Dhabi hospital, bandaged, recalling his children’s thoughts that kept him fighting.

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