Published: 12:02 AM, 04 October 2026
Omani co-pilot accused of attempting to crash Flydubai flight in Israel
A Flydubai passenger aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after an Omani co-pilot named Hammam Alhamami allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to take control of the plane, authorities and international media reported.
The incident occurred on September 30 aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was carrying more than 170 passengers, most of them Israelis. While the Boeing 737 Max 8 was flying over Saudi Arabia, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Indian captain Smit Machchhar with a cockpit weapon. The aircraft subsequently experienced a series of sudden and steep descents, raising fears that it could crash.
According to reports, the injured captain managed to open the cockpit door and alert people inside the cabin. Passengers and crew members then intervened and helped restrain the co-pilot. Two off-duty pilots who were travelling on the aircraft assisted in regaining control of the plane. The aircraft eventually landed safely at Tabuk airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
The co-pilot, identified in reports as an Omani national, was taken into custody after the landing. The United Arab Emirates has launched an investigation into the incident, while Saudi and Israeli authorities are also examining what happened and why. The UAE prosecutor general has described the incident as involving possible terrorist activity or intent.
The motive, however, remains under investigation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has alleged that the co-pilot had undergone Islamist radicaliszation and intended to bring down the aircraft. Other reports have cited claims that he had previously raised security concerns during his aviation career. These claims are being investigated, and authorities have not publicly established a final motive or whether the suspect acted alone.
The incident has also prompted questions about aviation security and the procedures used to vet pilots operating international routes to Israel. Israeli officials have examined how an Omani national came to serve as co-pilot on a Tel Aviv-bound flight, given that Oman does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. Reports have differed over the precise rules governing crew eligibility for the route.
Despite the dramatic incident, all passengers were ultimately brought to safety. The captain was reported to be in stable condition, while investigations continue into the attack, the suspect's background and the circumstances that allowed the flight to proceed.
