FlyDubai suspect used cockpit axe during attack, tell me about this news today

The United Arab Emirates Prosecutor General officially announced on October 3, 2026, that the co-pilot of FlyDubai flight FZ1073 used the cockpit’s emergency crash axe in an attempted terrorist attack on the aircraft.

Key details reported on the incident:

• The Incident: On a scheduled flight bound for Tel Aviv carrying over 170 passengers and crew, the co-pilot attacked the flight’s captain inside the cockpit and attempted to seize control of the aircraft.

  CNA

• The Weapon: The attacker used the flight deck’s crash axe. Under civil aviation safety regulations (such as those from the UAE GCAA and international bodies), commercial aircraft are required to have an emergency crash axe or crowbar stored inside the cockpit for emergency firefighting, egress, and panel breaching.

  CNA+ 1

• The Reaction: The captain, Indian national Smit Machchhar, resisted the assault despite sustaining severe wounds. He managed to unlock the fortified cockpit door from inside, enabling passengers and cabin crew to enter, overpower the assailant, and regain control.

  The Guardian

• Safe Landing: The aircraft diverted safely to Tabuk Regional Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it was brought to ground safely with assistance from reserve pilots on board.

• The Investigation: UAE authorities identified the suspect as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami. The UAE Attorney General confirmed that formal investigations are active to determine the suspect’s motives, digital and physical evidence, and potential ties to extremist networks or external direction.

  The Indian Express