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UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi announced on October 3 that the co-pilot attempted to carry out what he described as a terrorist act aboard the Flydubai aircraft. The co-pilot used a crash axe to attack the Indian captain and attempted to seize control of the flight bound for Israel. The plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia after passengers and crew intervened.
The suspect has been identified as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani citizen, according to multiple reports including those from Al Jazeera and the Associated Press. Al-Hammami was previously barred from flying in Oman due to concerns about alleged extremist views and was reassigned to a non-flying role at Oman Air. He later joined Flydubai and had also worked for Royal Air Maroc, sources familiar with the matter told various news outlets. His mother is Syrian and he was reportedly born in the UAE.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented that the attacker called out “Kill me, kill me” after being subdued and appeared to be suicidal. Netanyahu suggested the co-pilot had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination and warned of the potential for a major disaster. Israeli officials are participating in the UAE-led investigation to determine the full motive behind the October 1 attack.
Captain Smit Machchhar recounted making a last push to open the cockpit door while being attacked, ensuring the safety of everyone on board. The 17-year veteran of aviation sustained multiple injuries but remained focused on controlling the aircraft during the rapid descent of more than 17,000 feet. He is reported to be in stable condition in a hospital in Abu Dhabi.
The flight transmitted emergency signals before landing at Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport. Saudi authorities took the co-pilot into custody and both pilots were hospitalized initially in the kingdom. The suspect was subsequently transferred to the UAE where the investigation continues with input from several regional and Western governments.
UAE Presidential Adviser Anwar Gargash described the event as a dangerous terrorist act and praised the captain’s courage and professionalism. Reports have emerged of pro-Palestinian materials found in the co-pilot’s possessions, though authorities have not confirmed any specific ideological motive. The case has sparked discussions on pilot screening processes across the aviation industry.
