A Flydubai co-pilot attacked the flight captain with an emergency axe and attempted to seize control of a Tel Aviv-bound aircraft carrying over 170 passengers, according to the United Arab Emirates Attorney General. The incident aboard flight FZ1073 prompted a steep descent of 17,000 feet before passengers and crew subdued the attacker and diverted the plane safely to Saudi Arabia.
Emergency Axe Attack and Sudden 17,000-Foot Descent Over the Middle East
The flight departed from Dubai International Airport and proceeded normally for approximately two and a half hours, according to sources. The aircraft first signaled a standard emergency with transponder code 7700 before switching to code 7500, which designates unlawful interference or hijacking. The co-pilot used a cockpit emergency axe to strike the captain before attempting to take over the flight controls, UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi stated.
Passenger Almog Itali described the sudden change in flight path, stating that the plane dropped like a roller coaster with intense G-forces for 20 to 30 seconds before briefly leveling off and plunging again. The aircraft plummeted 17,000 feet, or approximately 5,180 meters, during the struggle.
Cockpit Breach and Passenger Intervention During the Flight
Injured Captain Smit Machchhar recalled laying on the floor and realizing the aircraft was sinking rapidly. He gathered his remaining strength to open the cockpit door from the inside, enabling passengers to rush in. Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated that passenger Tali Manes first heard the commotion inside the flight deck and raised the alarm.
Passenger Zvika Manes entered the cockpit alongside Yaniv Hayun, Dr. Shota Musayev, and Asaf Rajuan. Hayun stated in a video released by the Israeli Prime Minister’s office that the attacker attempted to smash the flight instruments to render the plane inoperable. Hayun placed the co-pilot in a neck choke, dragged him out of the cockpit, and briefly pulled the flight controls to help stabilize the aircraft before a reserve pilot took over.
Omani Citizen Hamam Al Hammami Identified as Attacker
The UAE Attorney General identified the suspect as an Omani citizen named Hamam al-Hammami, though international media outlets including Reuters, CNN, and The New York Times also published the name. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a Fox News interview that after being subdued, the attacker shouted “Kill me, kill me!” and exhibited signs of radical Islamist indoctrination.
US media reports noted that Hammami had previously trained with Oman Air, where radical views allegedly raised concerns that led to his removal from pilot training and reassignment to a ground role. Buckinghamshire New University confirmed that Hammami completed a three-year distance learning course and received an aviation management degree in 2023, though the institution clarified he never completed pilot training at the university.
Emergency Landing in Saudi Arabia and Ongoing Diplomatic Inquiries
Following the intervention, the backup flight crew diverted the aircraft and landed safely at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities arrested the co-pilot and transferred him to the UAE for formal investigation.
Captain Machchhar sustained stab wounds and was airlifted to Abu Dhabi for medical care, where the Embassy of India in UAE stated he is in stable condition and recovering well. UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi formally classified the incident as a terrorist attack attempt, noting that investigators are reviewing physical and digital evidence to determine full motives and external connections.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flight FZ1073
Which airlines and routes were affected following the incident?
Flydubai suspended all flights to Israel following the attack, and El Al canceled its scheduled routes. Arkia operated the first repatriation flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Where is the injured captain currently recovering?
Captain Smit Machchhar was transferred to a hospital in Abu Dhabi, where the Embassy of India in UAE reported he is in stable condition and making a smooth recovery.
What charges or official classifications have UAE authorities applied to the case?
UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi classified the mid-air incident as an attempted terrorist act, stating that comprehensive technical identifications and digital evidence reviews remain underway.
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