Flydubai pilot attacked captain with cockpit’s crash axe in attempted terrorist attack, UAE says, tell me about this news today
03-10-2026
United Arab Emirates prosecutors announced that a Flydubai co-pilot attacked the flight’s captain using the cockpit’s crash axe in what authorities are treating as an attempted terrorist attack.
Key details reported from the official findings and developments:
The Incident: On Wednesday, Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv carrying around 180 passengers when an altercation broke out inside the cockpit.
The Weapon and Attack: UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi stated that the co-pilot, identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, grabbed the aircraft’s standard emergency crash axe and assaulted the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, in an attempt to seize control of the aircraft. Crash axes are mandatory safety equipment kept in commercial cockpits for emergency egress and fire fighting.
Subduing the Attacker: Despite sustaining severe injuries, Captain Machchhar managed to open or unlock the flight deck door. Flight attendants and passengers quickly intervened, rushing into the cockpit to restrain and overpower the co-pilot.
Emergency Landing: The plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where emergency medical care was provided to the captain before he was airlifted to a hospital in Abu Dhabi. Passengers were subsequently transported onward safely.
Classification and Probe: UAE authorities have officially characterized the event as a deliberate “terrorist attack” aimed at hijacking the aircraft. The attacker was taken into custody, and regional authorities alongside international partners have launched a full investigation into his background, motives, and vetting history.