Flight FZ 1073 Plunges 14,000 Feet After Cockpit Attack Over the Middle East
During a scheduled Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv carrying 182 people on board, the co-pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe inside the cockpit, causing the aircraft to drop nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds. The Wednesday incident aboard flight FZ 1073 forced an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after passengers and crew members overpowered the attacker.
Saudi authorities transferred both the injured captain and the suspect to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, as regional aviation authorities and international investigators opened a multi-nation probe into the attack. According to the Associated Press and The Wall Street Journal, the pilot had previously been banned from flying in his home country of Oman amid concerns over extremist views before securing employment with the Dubai-based carrier.
Hamam al-Hammami Identified as the Co-Pilot Banned in Oman
American television network CNN identified the suspect as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani citizen born in the United Arab Emirates to an Omani father and a Syrian mother. Al-Hammami previously worked for Oman Air for seven years, where internal sources indicated he was removed from flight training and reassigned over radical views before leaving the airline in February 2025. WSJ and AP confirmed that Omani authorities had placed an official flight ban on the man prior to his hiring by Flydubai.
Izraelská televize a další zpravodajské weby zaznamenaly, že podezřelý působil u Flydubai přibližně osm měsíců. Kolega z aerolinek v rozhovoru pro izraelský Channel 16 uvedl, že muž vykazoval podivné chování ohledně náboženských praktik, hodně se modlil a odmítal podávat ženy ruku, čehož litoval slovy: „Najali jsme teroristu.“ Izraelský premiér Benjamin Netanjahu uvedl, že vyšetřovatelé zajistili osobní materiály poukazující na islamistickou indoktrinaci a že podezřelý mluvil na sociálních sítích o zabíjení Židů.”
Captain Smit Machchhar Restores Control After Falling Wounded
Indian captain Smit Machchhar recounted the attack from his hospital bed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, explaining that after being stabbed, he lay on the cockpit floor while the aircraft descended rapidly. Despite his injuries, Captain Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers and crew members rushed inside, overpowering the attacker and reportedly securing him with a headphone cable.
Two off-duty pilots traveling as passengers took over the controls after the physical struggle concluded, allowing the aircraft to land safely in Tabuk. Video footage authenticated by Reuters captured passengers screaming as the plane dropped 4,3 kilometers in less than half a minute, followed by celebrations and chanting of “We won” after the aircraft touched down safely.
Regional Travel Crisis and Repatriation Flights After Suspended Routes
The violent disruption triggered a broader regional travel crisis, with the United Arab Emirates immediately suspending all commercial flights to Israel, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded, according to AP. Israeli officials stated that coordinated repatriation flights were arranged to begin transporting stranded travelers starting Friday following the sudden halt in normal aviation links.
United States President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that any proven Iranian involvement would prompt a severe response, though officials emphasized that concrete evidence linking Tehran to the cockpit attack has not yet been publicly released. Meanwhile, UAE authorities continue to investigate whether the co-pilot acted as a lone wolf or maintained active links to designated extremist organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Flydubai Incident
What nationality was the co-pilot who launched the attack?
CNN and Israeli officials identified the co-pilot as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani citizen who was born in the United Arab Emirates to an Omani father and a Syrian mother.
Where did the emergency landing take place?
Flight FZ 1073 made an emergency landing at the airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the injured captain and passengers subdued the attacker in the cockpit.
How far did the aircraft drop during the sudden descent?
Flight tracking data showed the aircraft plunged nearly 14,000 feet, equivalent to roughly 4.3 kilometers, in less than 30 seconds.
Who flew the plane to safety after the captain was wounded?
Two off-duty pilots who were traveling on board as passengers took over the controls of the aircraft following the struggle and landed the plane safely in Saudi Arabia.