Flydubai attack investigation widens as alleged hijacker’s training in New Zealand scrutinised

The United Arab Emirates prosecutor general stated that the co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 attempted a "terrorist attack" during a flight to Israel on Wednesday. The co-pilot allegedly used a crash axe and tried to take control of the plane, causing it to plunge sharply. Passengers and crew intervened to subdue the co-pilot and stabilize the aircraft, which made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The co-pilot had reportedly been barred from flying by Oman due to concerns about extremist views. The investigation into the co-pilot's motives is ongoing, with multiple countries participating.

A Flydubai co-pilot, identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, is accused of attacking the captain with an emergency axe and attempting to take control of Flight FZ1073 en route to Israel. Reports suggest al-Hammami was previously barred from flying in Oman due to concerns over alleged extremist views, though official confirmation is pending. The incident, described by the UAE as an attempted "terrorist operation," occurred mid-flight, causing the aircraft to descend sharply. Reserve pilots on board took control, and the plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia. Investigators are working to determine al-Hammami's motive and any potential connections to extremist groups.

A Flydubai co-pilot, who allegedly nearly crashed a flight bound for Tel Aviv with 182 passengers, had previously been barred from flying by his native Oman. This ban was due to concerns that he had adopted extremist views. Despite this, the co-pilot was later hired by the UAE-based airline. The article does not specify the extent of vetting conducted during his hiring process. The information was disclosed by a person familiar with the ongoing investigation, who spoke anonymously.

The co-pilot accused of attacking a Flydubai captain has reportedly been identified as Hamam al-Hammami. The article states that al-Hammami is the individual accused of carrying out the attack. No further details regarding the circumstances, location, or specific reasons for the alleged attack are provided in the article's content. The information presented solely identifies the co-pilot by name in relation to the reported incident.

A FlyDubai co-pilot, identified as 29-year-old Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, is accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar with a cockpit crash axe on a flight to Tel Aviv. The attack reportedly incapacitated the captain, causing the plane to plummet before passengers regained control. Al-Hammami had previously been barred from flying with Oman Air due to concerns about extremist views. Investigators are determining if he acted alone or had extremist connections. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as an act of terrorism, suggesting the co-pilot underwent "Islamic radicalization."

A flydubai co-pilot, an Omani national, attacked the captain with a crash axe in an attempt to take control of the aircraft during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The plane plunged over 17,000 feet two and a half hours into its journey with more than 170 people on board. Passengers and on-duty crew members were able to enter the cockpit, overpower the attacker, and land the plane safely. The UAE prosecutor general stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances and motives behind the incident. The injured captain managed to open the cockpit door from the inside, allowing others to intervene.

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar recounted his experience of being stabbed by his co-pilot on a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv. While bleeding and having collapsed, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the co-pilot. This action enabled a second pair of pilots to regain control of the aircraft, which had plunged approximately 17,000 feet. Machchhar spoke about the ordeal via video call from an Abu Dhabi hospital with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised his bravery. The incident occurred on a flight carrying 174 people, and the plane was safely landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

A flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced a near-disaster when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot with a sharp weapon, leaving the cockpit unattended. A passenger heard the struggle and alerted a flight attendant, and later shouted for help as the plane entered a steep dive. Passengers, including off-duty pilots, overpowered the co-pilot and regained control of the aircraft, eventually landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The injured pilot had managed to send an alarm and unlock the cockpit door. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested the co-pilot was radicalized and intended to harm Israelis, while terrorism experts are considering various motives. The UAE is investigating the incident.

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar described opening the cockpit door of a Flydubai plane during an attack by his co-pilot to allow others to enter and help halt the aircraft's rapid descent. The incident occurred on a flight bound for Tel Aviv from Dubai, which was forced to divert to Saudi Arabia after plunging over 17,000 feet. Machchhar, who was injured during the attack, stated he opened the door while still on the floor, knowing he had to prevent further harm to passengers and crew. Passengers and crew eventually overpowered the attacker, allowing the plane to land safely. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended Machchhar's courage and quick decision-making, which saved numerous lives.

An Indian pilot on a Flydubai flight to Israel has described being stabbed by his co-pilot. The article details the pilot's account of the attack. While the specific date and circumstances leading to the co-pilot's actions are not elaborated upon in the provided content, the incident involved an assault within the cockpit during a flight. The pilot, who was the victim of the stabbing, is the central figure in the narrative of the event.

A FlyDubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain mid-flight was reportedly grounded by Oman Air in 2024 after visiting radical Islamic websites. Authorities believe he moved to Dubai later that year, and FlyDubai allegedly did not vet him with Oman Air before hiring him. The co-pilot, an Omani national, was reportedly banned from flying by Oman Air due to concerns about radical ideological views. The alleged attack occurred on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, where the co-pilot reportedly stabbed the captain, causing the plane to dive before reserve pilots regained control. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as terrorism, and the UAE is leading the investigation, which has prompted scrutiny of pilot vetting and aviation security.

A Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a mid-air altercation between the captain and co-pilot. The co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the plane, but the captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing others to subdue the attacker. The injured pilots are receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia, and the UAE has launched an investigation into the incident, including potential terrorist motives. Questions have arisen regarding how the co-pilot was cleared to fly, with the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority responsible for Flydubai's oversight and pilot certification, which includes medical and psychological evaluations.

An Australian couple from Sydney was among the passengers on a flydubai flight from the UAE to Israel that was diverted to Saudi Arabia after one pilot allegedly stabbed the other. The incident caused the aircraft to plunge approximately 17,000 feet. Passengers reportedly intervened, with one subduing the alleged attacker who was attempting to disable the plane's instruments. Israeli officials stated the alleged attacker was an Omani citizen. The Israeli embassy confirmed the presence of the two Australian citizens, a Jewish couple, and noted heightened security alerts following the event. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation.

Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot for FlyDubai, was stabbed on a flight heading to Israel on September 30, 2026. Despite being severely injured, he managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing Israeli passengers and the Emirati crew to intervene and save all 174 passengers. The incident is believed to be a terror attack by a radical individual who attempted to bring down the plane. Machchhar's heroic actions are credited with preventing another 9/11-like attack from occurring. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar for showing "the highest form of courage" and India's SpiceJet airline described him as a hero, praising his "heroic courage" and "selfless actions".

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after one pilot allegedly stabbed the other and attempted to crash the plane. Passengers and crew overpowered the attacker, allowing two on-duty crew members to land the aircraft safely in Tabuk with over 170 people on board. The stabbed pilot, identified as Captain Smit Machchhar, is in stable condition. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar as a hero for his actions in preventing a disaster, while the Israeli Defence Minister labeled the incident an attempted terror attack. The motive for the attack remains officially unstated. Passengers later arrived safely in Tel Aviv.

A Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the pilot and caused the plane to plummet. Pilot Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, is being hailed as a hero for releasing the cockpit door, allowing relief pilots to regain control and land the aircraft. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated it is too early to determine the motive or perpetrator, though Israel's UN ambassador labeled it a "terror attack." Flydubai has suspended flights to and from Israel during the investigation. Donald Trump suggested the co-pilot might have been a terrorist or unstable.

Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry has stated that a preliminary investigation into a Flydubai flight's emergency landing found the captain was assaulted by his co-pilot, causing injuries to both. The incident occurred on Wednesday during flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, forcing an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities, with the participation of a UAE security team, conducted the initial probe. Following the landing, all 174 passengers continued their journey on a replacement aircraft. The captain and co-pilot received medical treatment in Saudi Arabia and were later returned to Abu Dhabi on Thursday, accompanied by the Emirati security team.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that investigations indicate the Omani national who attacked a Flydubai pilot and attempted to hijack a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv had undergone "Islamist radical indoctrination." Netanyahu believes the attacker intended to crash the plane, noting the attacker's suicidal calls after being subdued. The incident occurred mid-flight, causing the plane to plunge significantly before passengers and crew regained control and landed safely. The United Arab Emirates has launched its own investigation to determine if the incident is linked to terrorist activity, while the co-pilot is being questioned in Saudi Arabia.

An incident on a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, where a pilot allegedly stabbed another and attempted to crash the plane, is under investigation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated it is too early to determine who was behind the attack, though Israel's UN ambassador called it a "terror attack" by a radical individual. Flydubai has suspended flights to Israel during the investigation. Passengers bravely intervened, subduing the alleged attacker and regaining control of the aircraft, which made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The stabbed pilot, an Indian national, was lauded as a hero for his actions. The alleged attacker, reportedly an Omani national, is being questioned by Saudi authorities.

The UAE's chief prosecutor has launched an investigation into a midair altercation between two pilots on a Flydubai flight to Israel. The incident, which occurred on flight FZ1073 en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, forced the plane to divert and land in Saudi Arabia. A team of prosecutors will examine the circumstances and motives, including any potential links to "terrorist activity or intent" or prior planning. UAE judicial authorities claim jurisdiction as the aircraft is UAE-registered. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated he spoke with the UAE's president, who agreed that Israel would join the interrogation of the suspect. Netanyahu credited the Indian national pilot, Smit Machchhar, with averting disaster after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed him and attempted to crash the plane.

An Indian pilot and passengers aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv averted disaster on Wednesday when the co-pilot attacked the pilot, leading to a struggle for control of the aircraft. The incident forced an emergency landing. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the co-pilot intended to crash the plane and kill everyone on board. Israel's foreign ministry characterized the event as an "attempted terrorist attack." The article highlights the pilot's and passengers' actions in preventing a catastrophe.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his "extraordinary bravery" in saving 174 lives on a Flydubai flight. The pilot was stabbed by his co-pilot during the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, which was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Despite his injuries, Captain Machchhar fought back, opened the cockpit door, and allowed the crew and passengers to subdue the attacker, preventing a potential disaster. The co-pilot was arrested upon landing. Captain Machchhar is reportedly in stable condition and receiving medical attention in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

A flydubai flight en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced a terrifying incident when one pilot allegedly stabbed the other and attempted to disable the aircraft. Passengers recounted the plane suddenly dropping 17,000 feet in under two minutes, causing panic. After the injured pilot managed to open the cockpit door, passengers entered and found one pilot down and the attacker interfering with the plane's instruments. A passenger, Yaniv Hayun, subdued the attacker by placing him in a chokehold and pulling him out of the cockpit. Other passengers then assisted in pinning the attacker down to secure him.

A flydubai flight from Dubai to Israel made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after one pilot allegedly stabbed his co-pilot and attempted to crash the plane. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that a passenger and crew member intervened to neutralize the attacker. Israeli officials are investigating the incident as a potential terror attack. The plane, carrying between 160 and 180 passengers, transmitted distress signals before descending sharply over Jordan. The attacker has been identified as an Omani national. Both pilots sustained injuries and were taken to a Saudi hospital.

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after issuing distress signals, indicating an apparent hijacking attempt. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that one pilot allegedly stabbed the other and attempted to crash the plane, though this cause has not been officially confirmed. Passengers reported the aircraft losing control and descending rapidly, with some passengers entering the cockpit to overpower the pilot. The plane landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where both pilots were hospitalized. Flydubai confirmed an altercation occurred on the flight deck and that the plane was secured by onboard crew. The motive for the alleged attack remains unclear, but Israel's Defense Minister suggested it was an attempted terror attack.

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a reported fight between the pilots triggered a distress alert. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, led to fears of a possible hijacking and prompted Israel to scramble fighter jets. All passengers and crew were reported safe. Officials stated an altercation occurred in the cockpit, though the cause remains unclear. Passengers described hearing shouting and a steep descent before landing. Israeli authorities confirmed the situation was under control and are working to repatriate the passengers. Flydubai confirmed the incident and stated its teams are working with authorities.

A Flydubai flight en route to Tel Aviv was diverted following a stabbing incident. Israeli officials have characterized the event as an "act of terror." The article does not specify when the flight occurred or the exact location of the diversion. Further details regarding the victim, perpetrator, or the circumstances of the stabbing are not provided in the given content.

A Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, Israel, was diverted following an incident where a pilot was attacked. Dramatic video footage captured the aftermath of this attack. The article does not specify when this event occurred or provide details about the perpetrator or the exact reasons for the attack. The diversion of the flight indicates a significant disruption to the planned journey due to the onboard assault.

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after an incident involving its pilots. The flight, carrying approximately 150 passengers, including many Israelis, signaled an emergency code two hours into its journey, which was briefly interpreted as a hijacking before reverting to a general emergency signal. Israeli officials and passengers reported that one pilot allegedly stabbed the other, leading to the pilot being restrained. The plane made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in northeastern Saudi Arabia. A Flydubai spokesperson confirmed an incident occurred en route and that the company is working with authorities. The Israeli prime minister's office ruled out an actual hijacking.