Flydubai Co-Pilot Plotted “Suicide” Attack on Israel, UAE Confirms

Flydubai Co-Pilot Plotted “Suicide” Attack on Israel, UAE Confirms

By TheNATIONWEEK.com News Desk | October 12, 2026

Dubai, UAE – Emirati authorities revealed explosive details regarding the September 30 Flydubai incident, confirming that the co-pilot orchestrated a “suicide” mission to crash the aircraft into Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport. Attorney General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi stated that the plot, which aimed to take 174 lives, drew direct inspiration from the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

Investigations, launched on October 1, unveiled the 29-year-old suspect, identified by sources as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, who meticulously prepared for the attack. He utilized two previous flights to Tel Aviv to familiarize himself with the route and airport. Despite a thorough vetting process by Flydubai, including a pilot’s license and a certificate of good conduct, no indicators of extremist views or terrorist intent were detected.

Al-Shamsi confirmed the suspect’s confession, detailing his psychological and physical preparation, which included consuming “terrorism-promoting” material and taking boxing lessons. Disturbingly, signs of his radicalization emerged in 2017 while studying in Australia. The suspect explicitly admitted to acting alone, providing a comprehensive account of his motives and execution plan.

The harrowing incident unfolded on Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Two hours after takeoff, the aircraft began a precipitous descent, plunging over 17,000 feet in approximately two minutes. A violent struggle erupted in the cockpit after the co-pilot stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar. Critically wounded, Machchhar witnessed the terrifying dive from the cockpit floor. Passengers and crew heroically intervened, overpowering the assailant. Two reserve pilots on board subsequently took control, diverting the plane to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Both pilots received medical attention and were later transferred to Abu Dhabi.

This incident casts a stark spotlight on aviation security protocols and the insidious nature of radicalization, even among highly screened professionals. The UAE’s swift and thorough investigation offers crucial insight into a thwarted act of mass terror.