A Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a flight bound for Israel has been identified as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national, according to multiple media reports.
The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard Flight FZ1073, which was carrying 174 passengers and crew members from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft was forced to divert to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a fight broke out between the two pilots.
According to reports, al-Hammami attacked Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, inside the cockpit using an emergency crash axe and allegedly attempted to take control of the aircraft.
The plane reportedly plunged more than 17,000 feet in about two minutes before the captain managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers and crew members then entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot.
Two reserve pilots who were travelling on the aircraft subsequently took control and safely landed the plane in Tabuk.
The UAE Attorney General, Hamad Saif al-Shamsi, described the incident as a suspected “terrorist act”, while investigations continue to determine the motive and whether the co-pilot acted alone or had links to any extremist organisation.
Media reports, including those citing unnamed diplomatic and security sources, claim that Omani authorities had previously barred al-Hammami from flying in the country because of concerns over alleged extremist views. However, there has been no official confirmation of those claims or of the exact nature of the alleged views.
Reports also indicate that al-Hammami previously worked for Oman Air and later joined Royal Air Maroc before leaving the airline in January 2026.
The UAE is leading the investigation, examining the circumstances of the attack, its possible motive, whether it was planned, and whether other individuals were involved. Authorities said technical and digital evidence is also being examined.
Flydubai flights to Israel remain suspended while the investigation continues.
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