How was the Flydubai pilot who attacked his co-pilot cleared to fly?

Live updates

1. 5h ago

   Captain Smit Machchhar describes blocking axe blows during Flydubai attack

   Captain Smit Machchhar has provided the first interview regarding a cockpit attack on flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Machchhar described screaming for help and attempting to open the cockpit door while blocking axe blows to his head. The UAE attorney general stated the co-pilot, Hamam Al Hammami, attempted a suicide attack intended to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport. Machchhar has been hailed as a hero for averting the disaster. Provided materials do not contain information regarding how Al Hammami was cleared to fly.

   Why it matters

   The incident involved a sudden altitude loss of 14,000 feet in 29 seconds. Aviation security experts are using the event to advocate for remotely activated cockpit cameras and stricter crew screening. This attack highlights vulnerabilities regarding insider threats in flight decks.

   What is confirmed

   • Captain Smit Machchhar blocked axe blows to the head during an attack on flight FZ1073.
   • The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
   • The UAE attorney general stated the co-pilot intended to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport as a suicide attack.
   • Captain Machchhar attempted to open the cockpit door and screamed for help during the ordeal.

   What to watch next

   • Official investigation reports into the crew screening process for Hamam Al Hammami
   • Legislative updates on cockpit camera mandates in the UAE
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. www.breitbart.com — United Arab Emirates (UAE) Articles - Breitbart
   2. www.ctvnews.ca — FlyDubai pilot recalls axe attack in first interview - CTV News
   3. www.theguardian.com — Flydubai captain describes blocking axe blows as co-pilot ...
   4. www.al-monitor.com — Captain of flydubai plane describes blocking axe blows as co-pilot attacked
   5. torontosun.com — Flydubai pilot recalls attack in first interview - Toronto Sun
   6. elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/21 Links Pt1: Dems betrayal of Israel fueled by Obama’s wrath toward the Jewish state; Postponed Palestinian elections expose....
   7. transcripts.cnn.com — Soon: Trumps Kicks Off Seven-State, Seven-Day Campaign Blitz in Kansas; DOJ: Arrested OpenAI Worker Was In Touch With Saudi Royal ....
   confidence 90%
2. 3d ago

   Flydubai Captain Recounts Blocking Axe Blows During Cockpit Attack

   Captain Smit Machchhar survived an attack by Omani co-pilot Hamam Al Hammami during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Machchhar reported blocking axe blows while telling himself, "You can't die like this." The incident caused the plane to drop 14,000 feet in 29 seconds. While the UAE attorney general claims Al Hammami intended to crash the aircraft into Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, aviation security experts are now calling for tighter crew screening and the installation of remotely activated cockpit cameras to prevent similar insider threats.

   Why it matters

   The attack highlights vulnerabilities in aviation security regarding crew screening and insider threats. UAE investigators believe Al Hammami developed extremist beliefs during a period spent in Australia.

   What is confirmed

   • Omani co-pilot Hamam Al Hammami attacked the captain of a Flydubai flight.
   • The attack occurred on a flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Al Hammami's extremist beliefs were shaped during his time in Australia.

   What to watch next

   • Implementation of remotely activated cockpit cameras.
   • Official results of the UAE crew screening investigation.
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. nypost.com — New York Post – Breaking News, Top Headlines, Photos & Videos
   2. www.jpost.com — Flydubai hijacking attempt exposes major gaps in Israel's ...
   3. www.indiastrategic.in — The New Foot Soldiers of Espionage: How ISI is Weaponizing Indian Social Media - India Strategic
   4. www.thehindubusinessline.com — Flydubai cockpit attack: Co-pilot identified as Omani citizen
   5. www.abc.net.au — Inside flydubai cockpit before co-pilot's alleged 'terror ...
   6. www.straitstimes.com — Captain of flydubai plane describes blocking axe blows as co ...
   confidence 80%
3. 6d ago

   Flydubai co-pilot's past raises questions on crew screening

   The Omani co-pilot, Hamam Al Hammami, who attacked his captain on a Flydubai flight, had his extremist beliefs shaped during his time in Australia, according to UAE investigators. The incident has intensified global scrutiny on crew screening and insider threats. The co-pilot's actions caused the aircraft to plunge 14,000 feet in 29 seconds. The UAE attorney general stated Al Hammami planned to crash the plane into Israel's Ben Gurion Airport.

   Why it matters

   The incident occurred on an Israel-bound flight, which eventually landed safely in Saudi Arabia. The attack has raised concerns about aviation safety and the screening process for airline crew members. The co-pilot's motives and past are being closely examined.

   What is confirmed

   • The co-pilot, Hamam Al Hammami, was 29 years old when he attacked his captain.
   • The aircraft plunged 14,000 feet in 29 seconds during the attack.
   • The UAE attorney general stated Al Hammami planned to crash the plane into Israel's Ben Gurion Airport.
   • The co-pilot's extremist beliefs were shaped during his time in Australia.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The co-pilot asked his captain to pray before attacking him.

   What to watch next

   • Further investigation into crew screening processes
   • UAE authorities' response to the incident
   • Potential changes to aviation security protocols
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.jpost.com — The Jerusalem Post - All News from the Middle East, Israel, and...
   2. www.dailymail.com — UK Home | Daily Mail Online
   3. thearabianpost.com — Saudi probe finds co-pilot assaulted flydubai captain
   4. gulfnews.com — Inside the flydubai probe: Omani co-pilot’s confession and ...
   5. www.wionews.com — Flydubai cockpit attack: Who is the co-pilot accused of ...
   6. elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/12 Links Pt1: Herzog calls out Nobel Peace Price winner Pillay; Teen killed, 24 injured by unexploded ....
   confidence 90%
4. 8d ago

   Flydubai Co-Pilot's Cockpit Axe Attack Raises Aviation Security Concerns

   A Flydubai co-pilot launched a violent cockpit axe attack against his captain on an Israel-bound flight, plunging the aircraft 14,000 feet in 29 seconds before passengers and crew subdued him. The UAE attorney general stated the attacker, 29-year-old Hamam Al Hammami, planned to crash the passenger jet into a terminal at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport in a 9/11-inspired assault. Captain Smit Machchhar sustained severe wounds from the onboard crash axe after the attacker asked him to pray. The incident has intensified global scrutiny regarding crew screening, insider threats, and aviation safety.

   Why it matters

   Aviation security experts view insider threats as exceptionally difficult to prevent within modern cockpit protocols. The attack occurred weeks before Israel's first election following the October 7 attacks, heightening regional tensions and spotlighting the geopolitical sensitivity of flights operating into Tel Aviv. Authorities are now interrogating additional personnel connected to the suspect.

   What is confirmed

   • Hamam Al Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani co-pilot, attacked Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar with an onboard crash axe on an Israel-bound flight.
   • The aircraft plummeted 14,000 feet in 29 seconds as passengers and crew fought to subdue the attacker.
   • The UAE attorney general stated the attacker planned to crash the plane into a terminal at Ben Gurion Airport.
   • Two more Flydubai co-pilots from the Maldives who worked with the accused attacker and lived in the same building were detained in the United Arab Emirates.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The suspect considered an earlier attack on the same Israel-bound route before aborting it for a friend.
   • The co-pilot was previously barred in Oman over concerns related to radicalization.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the ongoing security investigations into the detained Flydubai co-pilots.
   • Potential updates to regional airline cockpit screening and recruitment protocols for international carriers.
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. www.dailymail.com — Flydubai co-pilot asked captain to pray - then hit him over the back of the head with an axe: 'The blows kept coming, one after another'
   2. cbs12.com — Co-pilot once barred in Oman accused of 'terrorist attack' in FlyDubai cockpit stabbing
   3. www.thedailystar.net — One flydubai pilot stabbed the other, then apparently tried ...
   4. www.cbsnews.com — FlyDubai co-pilot Hamam al Hamami spent a year bashing women with "manosphere" rhetoric on X, posts show
   5. www.dailymail.com — Flydubai 'hijacker' who stabbed co-pilot 'planned to crash aircraft into Ben Gurion airport', UAE claims
   6. www.smh.com.au — flydubai incident raises serious question about dangers of rogue pilots
   7. economictimes.indiatimes.com — Attack risks rise for tankers as Iran vows to block more Hormuz routes
   8. zeenews.india.com — Flydubai cockpit attack: Suspect aborted his first attempt for a friend | World News | Zee News
   9. viewfromthewing.com — More Flydubai Pilots Detained After Terror Attack—Broader Problem, Or Bigger Conspiracy?
   10. www.jpost.com — Flydubai passenger recounts terrifying dive: Did we learn the wrong lesson? | The Jerusalem Post
   11. simpleflying.com — A Captain's Perspective: Who Are We Really Putting Behind The Cockpit Door?
   12. www.arabnews.pk — Israel turns back Ethiopian Airlines cargo flight over pilot’s nationality, reports say
   confidence 95%
5. 13d ago

   Questions Mount Over How Extremism-Flagged Flydubai Pilot Cleared Security

   An Omani co-pilot named Hamam al-Hammami launched a violent axe attack against his captain on an Israel-bound Flydubai flight, forcing a steep 16,000-foot drop before the crew subdued him in Saudi Arabia. Captain Smit Machchhar recounted the struggle to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating he fought for his life after losing vision from repeated blows. Investigators state the co-pilot joined the airline specifically to crash the passenger jet into Tel Aviv. Questions now mount regarding how an individual reportedly grounded for jihadist radicalization cleared crew screening laws.

   Why it matters

   The incident exposes severe vulnerabilities in airline background checks and crew screening regulations. Aviation authorities face scrutiny over how a pilot rejected by another carrier due to extremism concerns gained cockpit access on a major commercial route. The integration of international security protocols remains a primary focal point as officials investigate the timeline of the co-pilot's radicalization.

   What is confirmed

   • An Omani co-pilot named Hamam al-Hammami attacked his captain with an axe aboard a Flydubai flight in an attempted terrorist attack.
   • The aircraft dropped 16,000 feet during the struggle before diverting to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the attacker was subdued.
   • Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar described the cockpit attack to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The co-pilot was reportedly grounded over jihadist radicalization and rejected by another airline before joining Flydubai.
   • The co-pilot told UAE interrogators that he planned the attack prior to joining the airline to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport.

   What to watch next

   • Official findings from aviation security and counter-terrorism investigators regarding the carrier screening failures
   • Potential updates on international crew vetting laws and intelligence sharing between regional airlines
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.ynetnews.com — How was an Omani pilot flagged for extremism cleared to fly to Israel? The failures and hard questions
   2. www.euronews.com — FlyDubai captain said he had “one more fight left in me” and opened cockpit door
   3. www.ctvnews.ca — FlyDubai attack: Pilot explains what happened
   4. www.thejournal.ie — Co-pilot on FlyDubai plane ‘attacked captain with axe’ - The Journal
   5. www.yahoo.com — Co-pilot planned flydubai attack before joining airline, two ...
   6. www.nbcnewyork.com — Flydubai pilot attacked captain with axe in attempted ...
   confidence 90%
6. 15d ago

   Flydubai Co-Pilot Planned 9/11-Style Attack

   An Omani co-pilot named Hamam al-Hammami attacked his captain with a crash axe aboard an Israel-bound Flydubai flight in an act classified by the UAE as terrorist. The violent struggle forced the aircraft to drop 16,000 feet before diverting to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where passengers and crew subdued the attacker. Investigators state that the co-pilot joined the airline specifically to crash the passenger jet into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport.

   Why it matters

   This incident deals a severe blow to the regional travel industry, which is already operating under immense pressure. The event raises critical aviation security questions regarding how an individual barred from flying in their home country due to extremist views managed to secure employment and clearance with Flydubai.

   What is confirmed

   • The FlyDubai co-pilot who attacked his captain with an axe is an Omani national named Hamam al-Hammami.
   • The UAE has classified the attack as a terrorist act.
   • Investigators say the co-pilot planned to crash the passenger jet into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport.
   • The cockpit struggle caused the aircraft to drop 16,000 feet before diverting to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The pilot reportedly told investigators he planned a 9/11-style attack to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the official security and employment background investigations by Flydubai and aviation authorities.
   • Official statements regarding how the co-pilot bypassed security and flight bans.
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. www.nbcnews.com — Flydubai pilot planned 9/11-style attack, source tells NBC News
   2. aerospaceglobalnews.com — Flydubai co-pilot joined airline to crash plane into Tel Aviv airport, according to reports
   3. www.euronews.com — UAE says FlyDubai co-pilot attacked captain with axe in “terrorist” act
   confidence 100%
7. 17d ago

   Flydubai Co-Pilot Planned Ben Gurion Crash

   Investigators examine how the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking an Indian captain with a crash axe aboard an Israel-bound Flydubai flight was cleared to fly despite being deemed a security risk and reportedly flagged before the attack. The violent cockpit struggle caused the aircraft to drop 16,000 feet before diverting to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where passengers and crew subdued the attacker. Israeli media report that the co-pilot allegedly told investigators he planned a 9/11-style attack to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport.

   Why it matters

   The incident has placed intense scrutiny on aviation security protocols and pre-flight clearance procedures. UAE officials shared passenger information, including nationalities, with Israeli authorities prior to departure from Dubai. Questions persist regarding how security systems failed to stop the flagged co-pilot.

   What is confirmed

   • The Omani co-pilot attacked the Indian captain with a crash axe on an Israel-bound Flydubai flight.
   • The aircraft dropped 16,000 feet during the struggle before diverting to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
   • Passengers and crew subdued the attacker.
   • UAE officials classified the incident as an attempted terrorist attack.
   • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the co-pilot underwent Islamic radicalization.
   • The UAE shared information about people travelling on the flight, including nationalities, with Israeli authorities before departure.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The co-pilot was flagged as a security risk before the attack and acted alone.
   • The co-pilot allegedly told investigators he intended to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport in a 9/11-style attack while approaching Israel over Jordan.

   What to watch next

   • Official releases from aviation security authorities regarding pre-flight screening protocols
   • Further details from investigators on the co-pilot's background and potential accomplices
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.aljazeera.com — How was the Flydubai pilot who attacked his co-pilot cleared to fly? | Explainer News
   2. www.aljazeera.com — How was Flydubai co-pilot cleared despite being deemed a security risk?
   3. san.com — FlyDubai co-pilot was reportedly flagged before attack. So how was he cleared to fly?
   4. zeenews.india.com — Flydubai attack: Israel had Omani co-pilot’s details before flight, so how did he get cleared? | World ....
   5. www.etvbharat.com — Flydubai Co-Pilot Planned Ben Gurion Crash In 9/11-Style Attack: Reports
   6. www.abc.net.au — Flydubai pilot planned to crash plane into Ben Gurion airport, Israeli media reports - ABC News
   confidence 90%
8. 19d ago

   Flydubai Co-Pilot Attacks Captain With Crash Axe on Tel Aviv Flight

   An Israel-bound Flydubai flight suffered a violent cockpit brawl after the Omani co-pilot attacked the Indian captain with a crash axe. The aircraft dropped 16,000 feet during the struggle before diverting to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Passengers and crew subdued the attacker. UAE officials classified the incident as an attempted terrorist attack, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the co-pilot underwent Islamic radicalization.

   Why it matters

   The violent episode on the Tel Aviv-bound aircraft highlights severe vulnerabilities in flight deck security and international aviation safety. Israeli leadership framed the cockpit assault as an averted major catastrophe, comparing it to historical terror plots. Investigators are now reviewing how the suspect maintained his flight clearance despite regional security concerns.

   What is confirmed

   • A Flydubai co-pilot attacked the flight captain using a crash ax and tried to take control of the aircraft in an Israel-bound flight.
   • UAE prosecutors identified the co-pilot as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national.
   • The aircraft diverted to Saudi Arabia following the cockpit brawl.
   • Passengers and others helped subdue the attacker in the cockpit.
   • The injured captain was identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The co-pilot was previously barred from flying by Oman because of extremist views.
   • Leaflets supporting Free Palestine were found in the possession of the co-pilot.
   • The airplane dropped 16,000 feet before landing in Tabuk.

   What to watch next

   • Official findings from aviation and security investigators regarding the background and security clearance of Hamam al-Hammami.
   • Further diplomatic statements from Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel regarding the hijacking attempt.
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. Reuters — Israel-bound flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after brawl between pilots, Israeli official says
   2. The New York Times — Passenger Who Helped Subdue Pilot Describes Bloody Scene in Cockpit
   3. The New York Times — Who Is the FlyDubai Pilot Being Hailed as a Hero?
   4. CNN — Captain Smit Machchhar: The ‘jovial’ pilot and father who thwarted the Flydubai attacker
   5. The Washington Post — A harrowing cockpit attack leaves investigators scrambling for answers
   6. Al Jazeera — How was the Flydubai pilot who attacked his co-pilot cleared to fly?
   7. BBC — 'He's taught us courage': Friend on Indian pilot hailed as a hero
   8. Reuters — Israeli passenger says he knew what to do on flydubai plane after watching TV show
   9. Fox News — Pilot on Tel Aviv-bound FlyDubai 'prevented another 9/11,' Netanyahu says
   10. Axios — Netanyahu: Omani co-pilot went through Islamic radicalization
   11. www.nbcnews.com — Flydubai pilot attacked captain with cockpit’s crash axe in attempted terrorist attack, UAE official says
   12. nypost.com — Flydubai co-pilot used crash ax to hack at pilot in attempted ‘terrorist attack’: UAE official
   confidence 95%