Flydubai Co-Pilot Wanted to Crash Plane Into Tel Aviv

Israeli sources investigating the Flydubai cockpit attack now say the co-pilot wanted to crash the plane into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport, turning a routine Dubai–Tel Aviv flight into a near mass-casualty disaster. Flight FZ1073 was carrying at least 182 people when the Omani first officer attacked the captain with a crash axe on Wednesday. Investigators believe the suspect was a lone wolf who had earlier considered hijacking a Tel Aviv-bound flight.

What Happened on Flydubai Flight FZ1073?

Flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, left Dubai for Tel Aviv with at least 182 passengers and crew on board. Shortly after reaching cruise altitude, co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami allegedly struck captain Smit Machchhar with the emergency crash axe kept in the cockpit. The attack left Machchhar severely wounded and bloodied, but he still managed to unlock the cockpit door so passengers and crew could enter and overpower the attacker.

Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft plunging from about 34,000 feet to roughly 16,600 feet in around 30-60 seconds. Two off-duty pilots traveling as passengers took over and diverted the plane to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. Israeli fighter jets were scrambled amid fears of a hijacking.

Who Is Co-Pilot Hammam al-Hammami?

Reuters identified the suspect as Hammam al-Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani national. Israeli sources told NOS that al-Hammami had already considered hijacking a flight to Tel Aviv earlier this year but backed out, possibly because he recognized someone on board. The sources described him as a probable lone wolf, not directed by a terrorist organization or foreign government.

Al-Hammami's background has raised serious questions about aviation security screening. He was suspended from Oman Air in 2024 after extremist material was found. He later studied in Australia between 2015 and 2017, where authorities are now examining whether he was radicalized. New Zealand police have also opened inquiries into his time there, and Royal Air Maroc rejected his application after three months of theory lessons last year.

A Pattern of Red Flags

• Suspended by Oman Air in 2024 over extremist content
• Studied in Australia from 2015 to 2017; radicalisation probe underway
• Spent time in New Zealand; local police investigating
• Royal Air Maroc rejected his application last year
• Joined Flydubai in February, reportedly without a full vetting check from Oman Air

How the Crew Prevented a Tel Aviv Airport Crash

The injured captain's actions were decisive. Despite heavy bleeding, he opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to subdue the co-pilot. Two relief pilots on board then took control and landed safely in Saudi Arabia. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi later called the captain a hero, while Israeli officials described the episode as an act of terrorism.

'The captain, Smit Machchhar, showed extraordinary courage in preventing what could have been a catastrophe,' one official said.

The emergency response drew comparisons with regional aviation emergency protocols and raised questions about how such an attack could unfold at 34,000 feet.

What This Means for UAE-Israel Flights and Aviation Security

The incident has already disrupted travel. Flydubai suspended its Tel Aviv route, El Al cancelled flights, and Arkia operated the first repatriation flight. UAE authorities are leading the investigation, with cooperation from Saudi Arabia, Israel, Australia and New Zealand. Analysts say the case may pressure Gulf carriers to tighten screening for lone wolf terrorist attacks and improve cross-border information sharing among airlines.

Experts note that the suspect's ability to pass multiple airline checks despite prior warnings mirrors broader gaps in regional aviation vetting. For passengers, the near-disaster underlines how cockpit security and crew training remain the last line of defense against insider threats.

FAQ: Flydubai Co-Pilot Crash Plot Explained

What did the Flydubai co-pilot intend to do?

Israeli sources say he intended to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, and he had earlier considered hijacking a Tel Aviv-bound flight.

How was the Flydubai co-pilot stopped?

The wounded captain opened the cockpit door, and passengers and crew overpowered the attacker. Two off-duty pilots then landed the plane in Saudi Arabia.

Who was the co-pilot on Flydubai flight FZ1073?

He has been named as Hammam al-Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani national previously suspended by Oman Air over extremist material.

Was this a terrorist attack?

UAE prosecutors say the co-pilot attempted a terrorist act. Israeli officials also called it terrorism, while investigators assess whether he acted as a lone wolf.