DUBAI, UAE – October 3, 2026 – A violent incident occurred on FlyDubai Flight 1073 en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, resulting in the co-pilot attacking the captain in an apparent act of terrorism.
According to authorities, the co-pilot, identified as 29-year-old Hamam al-Hammami from Oman, began stabbing Captain Smit Machchhar shortly before the flight was set to land. Over 170 passengers, predominantly Israeli nationals, were aboard when the attack took place. The plane reportedly descended more than 17,000 feet in under two minutes during the struggle.
Emergency responders from the UAE provided medical aid to Machchhar, who sustained injuries but is currently in stable condition. Both the captain and al-Hammami have since been transported to the UAE following the plane's emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Witnesses indicated that fellow passengers intervened after hearing a mother scream, enabling them to restrain the co-pilot and prevent a crash.
The UAE is leading an investigation into the incident, with initial findings suggesting that al-Hammami had previously displayed extremist views. Security officials in Oman noted they had been monitoring him prior to the flight. Sources state that al-Hammami acted alone, with no known connections to external terrorist groups.
The International investigation remains ongoing, as authorities work to gather more information concerning al-Hammami's background and motivations.