Co-Pilot Attacks Captain Mid-Flight on Flydubai Flight

On a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe, causing the aircraft to plunge approximately 17,000 feet. The incident occurred two and a half hours into the flight, with over 170 passengers onboard.

Captain Machchhar, injured and unable to control the cockpit, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene and overpower the attacker. Two reserve pilots on the flight then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Saudi Arabia.

The use of a crash axe, typically kept in cockpits for emergencies, has raised questions about its accessibility. Authorities in the UAE are investigating the circumstances and motives behind the attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the co-pilot's nationality as Omani, with reports linking him to Oman Air, where he was reportedly removed from pilot training due to concerns about his views. Buckinghamshire New University confirmed his graduation from an aviation management program in 2023 but stated he did not receive pilot training there.