Flydubai Co-Pilot Attacked Captain With Axe in ‘Terrorist Act’, UAE Officials Confirm
By The Nation Wave Desk
A routine Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv turned into a desperate fight for survival when the co-pilot attempted to crash the aircraft by attacking the captain with a cockpit crash axe. UAE authorities are officially treating the near-disaster aboard Flight FZ1073 as a “terrorist act”.
The Cockpit Struggle
According to UAE Attorney General Counsellor Hamad Saif al-Shamsi, the co-pilot, identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, struck the captain and attempted to seize control of the aircraft’s piloting instruments. The weapon used in the assault was a standard-issue crash axe, which is kept in the cockpit for emergency use.
The sudden attack sent the aircraft into a steep descent, causing panic among the 182 people on board.
An Indian Pilot’s Heroics
The captain, Indian national Smit Machchhar, is being hailed globally for his quick thinking and physical resilience. Despite being seriously wounded by the axe, Captain Machchhar fought back against al-Hammami to protect the passengers and crew.
He was soon aided by a group of courageous passengers—including off-duty personnel, a dentist, and a plumber—who rushed to the cockpit to help subdue the attacker, reportedly tying him up with zip ties and headphone cords. Following the struggle, relief pilots who happened to be on board and the remaining crew managed to regain control of the aircraft and execute an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Extremist Background Uncovered
The investigation, spearheaded by the UAE with international cooperation, has uncovered disturbing details about the co-pilot’s past. Reports indicate that Omani authorities had previously banned al-Hammami from flying due to concerns over his radical Islamist views.
He was reportedly moved to an administrative role at Oman Air before eventually being hired by the UAE-based budget carrier Flydubai. Investigators are currently examining his digital footprint, social media, and potential connections to external terrorist organizations.
The swift actions of Captain Machchhar and the passengers averted what officials have described as an attempt to cause a mass-casualty disaster. Both pilots were subsequently transferred to the UAE, where the formal investigation is ongoing.
