Omani co‑pilot identified as suspect in Flydubai cockpit axe attack

UAE Attorney‑General says the Omani co‑pilot used a crash axe to assault the captain on a Dubai‑Tel Aviv flight, prompting a passenger‑led subdual and safe diversion to Tabuk.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 03 Oct 2026 10:41:25 GMT

UAE officials have identified the co‑pilot who attacked the captain of Flydubai flight FZ1073 as Omani national Hamam al‑Hammami.

What happened

The incident occurred on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, aboard a Flydubai aircraft carrying 174 passengers, most of them Israeli, on a scheduled Dubai‑to‑Tel Aviv route. During the flight, the co‑pilot used a crash axe to stab the captain, Smit Machchhar, and attempted to seize the flight controls. Passengers and crew entered the cabin, restrained the attacker and prevented a crash. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where all on board survived.

What the reports add

Three sources with knowledge of the situation, including a Gulf and a Western diplomat, confirmed the suspect’s nationality and name, according to the Associated Press.
The co‑pilot had previously been barred from flying by Oman over concerns he had adopted extremist views, a detail reported by both the Associated Press and the Wall Street Journal.
UAE Attorney‑General Hamad Saif al‑Shamsi said the co‑pilot began the attack “using a crash axe” and that the suspect was transferred from Saudi Arabia to Abu Dhabi on Thursday; his health was described as “improved” but his exact condition remained unclear, per NBC News.
Multiple outlets note that the identity has not been officially released by authorities; NBC News did not independently verify the name.

What was said

“The co‑pilot began executing his plan during the flight, attacking the captain inside the flight deck using a crash axe and attempting to take control of the aircraft’s flight controls.” – UAE Attorney‑General Hamad Saif al‑Shamsi (NBC News)

“Investigations into the incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 revealed that the co‑pilot attempted to carry out a terrorist act.” – Hamad Saif al‑Shamsi (NBC News)

“As time passes, the picture becomes clearer: the attacker had undergone Islamist radicalization. He came to crash the plane, along with its passengers.” – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (NBC News)

“We are investigating whether he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price.” – Benjamin Netanyahu (NBC News)

“The alleged attacker talks on his social media about killing Jews.” – Israeli spokesman Doron Spielman (NBC News)

How it came about

The attack follows earlier coverage by Felo News on the same flight. On 1 October, Felo reported the injured captain being air‑lifted to the UAE and meeting the Indian ambassador (flydubai-pilot-airlifted). The next day, Felo noted that UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash labelled the assault a terrorist act and praised the captain’s bravery (uae-adviser-terrorist-act-flydubai). These pieces provide background on the flight’s diversion to Tabuk and the subsequent medical and diplomatic response.

Key facts

The co‑pilot suspected of the attack is Omani national Hamam al‑Hammami. (winnipegfreepress.com)
The attack occurred on Flydubai flight FZ1073 on 30 Sept 2026, carrying 174 passengers. (nbcnews.com)
The captain, Smit Machchhar, was stabbed but survived; the plane landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. (nbcnews.com)