Tabuk, Saudi Arabia — A FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing on Sept. 30, 2026, after a cockpit assault.
The United Arab Emirates Attorney General said the co-pilot assaulted the captain with a crash axe and attempted to seize control of the aircraft.
The plane entered a steep descent before Capt. Smit Machchhar unlocked the cockpit; passengers and crew restrained the suspect, authorities said. The flight, carrying 182 people, landed in Tabuk.
Investigators are examining motive, planning and any possible links to others, according to the UAE Attorney General. The Associated Press reported investigators have not found a connection to a militant group so far.
The suspect was identified by multiple outlets as 29-year-old Hamam al-Hammami. According to ABC News, citing senior officials, he was removed from Oman Air flying duties in 2024 over extremist materials and later reassigned before joining FlyDubai.
Australian Federal Police said a joint counterterrorism team is reviewing his links to Australia. New Zealand Police said they are also investigating his time in that country.
FlyDubai said it would not comment beyond prior statements while the investigation is ongoing. Oman Air and Omani officials have not publicly commented.