Abu Dhabi, October 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
United Arab Emirates prosecutors have described the attack on an Indian pilot aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv Flydubai flight as a “terrorist attack”, alleging that the co-pilot assaulted Captain Smit Machchhar with a cockpit crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
According to the UAE state news agency WAM, UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said co-pilot Hamam Al Hamami had carried out the attack while the aircraft was in flight, striking the captain inside the cockpit and attempting to seize control of the plane.
The incident took place on September 30 aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people on board. Captain Machchhar was seriously injured during the confrontation but managed to resist the attack and prevent the situation from escalating further.
The Boeing 737 was reportedly cruising at around 34,000 feet when the emergency unfolded. The aircraft experienced a rapid descent, reaching an altitude of approximately 15,600 feet. Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and overpower the co-pilot.
The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing with assistance from two other pilots who were travelling on board. Saudi authorities assisted in managing the incident after the aircraft landed.
The UAE Attorney-General has ordered the formation of a specialised investigation team comprising members of the Public Prosecution to examine the circumstances and causes of the attack, including any possible links to terrorist activity or intent.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the investigation would establish the facts surrounding the incident. The UAE also expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabian authorities for their cooperation and handling of the emergency.
A crash axe is standard emergency equipment carried on commercial passenger aircraft and is intended for use by flight crews in emergency situations. Its placement in the cockpit is among the aviation security measures adopted following heightened concerns after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States.
The investigation is also examining Al Hamami’s background and previous employment. Media reports have alleged that he had been barred from flying in Oman over concerns about extremist views, although these claims have not been independently established in the information provided.
Reports have further suggested that Al Hamami spent considerable time outside Oman, including in Syria, where he was allegedly exposed to extremist ideologies before travelling to the UAE.
According to CNN, Al Hamami had been employed by Flydubai for around eight months. A now-deleted LinkedIn profile bearing his name reportedly indicated that he had previously worked for Oman Air for seven years, leaving in February 2025. He was subsequently associated with Royal Air Maroc from June 2025 until January 2026, before joining Flydubai.
Media reports have also drawn attention to alleged terror-related content posted on a social media account attributed to Al Hamami shortly after the incident. The posts reportedly included cockpit footage and imagery associated with extremist figures. A separate report by CNN described his now-deleted X account as portraying him as deeply religious and misogynistic.
Former colleagues have also reportedly raised concerns about his views. However, authorities are continuing to investigate his background, possible motives and any links to terrorist activity.
Captain Machchhar has received widespread recognition for his actions during the emergency, with public figures and members of the public praising his efforts to protect passengers and crew members.
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