Flydubai co-pilot allegedly used axe in mid-air attack, plane lands safely

UAE officials reported that a Flydubai co-pilot assaulted the captain with a crash axe and attempted to seize the flight controls on a flight carrying 174 passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The incident was halted when crew members and passengers entered the cabin, overpowered the alleged attacker and kept the aircraft under control, allowing it to land safely.

UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif al Shamsi said the investigation had confirmed a terrorist motive and that the suspect, identified by multiple sources as Omani citizen Hamam al-Hammami, had previously been barred from flying in Oman over concerns about radical views. The suspect was transferred from Saudi Arabia to Abu Dhabi, where his health was reported as improved, though details of his condition remain unclear.

Israeli officials said their investigators would work with Emirati counterparts to determine the attacker’s motives and any possible links. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested the attacker had undergone Islamist radicalisation and hinted at a possible external sponsor, while his spokesperson noted the suspect’s social-media posts about killing Jews.

Captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot who was attacked, said he was severely injured but managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to intervene. He told reporters from a hospital in Abu Dhabi that he acted to protect the lives of everyone on board. The Indian Embassy described him as an "Indian braveheart" and said he is recovering.

Flydubai said it is cooperating with authorities and will not comment further while the investigation continues. No evidence has been presented linking Iran to the incident, according to a senior U.S. official.