UAE Says Flydubai Co-Pilot Attacked Captain in Suspected Terror Plot

DUBAI, October 3, 2026 — The United Arab Emirates has said a Flydubai co-pilot allegedly attempted to carry out a terrorist attack aboard a flight bound for Tel Aviv, attacking the captain inside the cockpit and attempting to seize control of the aircraft.

UAE Prosecutor General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the co-pilot, identified as Omani national Hamam al Hammami, attacked the pilot with an axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft during the flight.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, including the alleged attacker’s motives, possible connections and the circumstances surrounding the attack. Investigators are also examining physical and digital evidence as part of the probe.

According to sources cited by the Associated Press, al Hammami had previously been banned from flying in Oman over concerns that he had adopted extremist views before later being employed by the UAE-based airline.

The co-pilot was born in the UAE and has a Syrian mother, according to the reports.

The Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, has been praised for his actions during the incident after reportedly being stabbed by his colleague and fighting to regain access to the cockpit.

The aircraft was carrying 182 people when the incident occurred. Passengers and crew members reportedly helped subdue the alleged attacker as the aircraft rapidly descended from approximately 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet in about a minute.

The flight, operated by Flydubai from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was subsequently diverted and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

The incident has raised fresh questions over aviation security and the screening of flight crew, while UAE authorities continue to investigate whether the alleged attack was linked to extremist networks or involved other individuals.