Co-pilot accused of trying to hijack Flydubai plane probably acted alone, Israeli sources say

Israeli officials say Flydubai cockpit attack suspect likely acted alone

Activelifezero.com – Israeli officials believe the co-pilot accused of assaulting a colleague and attempting to take control of a Flydubai aircraft bound for Israel most likely acted without assistance, though investigators are still examining his motives and possible connections.

The United Arab Emirates, Israel and Saudi Arabia are conducting separate inquiries into the incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073, which made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after a violent confrontation in the cockpit. Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry is involved because the aircraft diverted there during the emergency.

One Israeli official said information gathered during the investigation points to the suspect acting alone. A second Israeli source said Israel had not identified a connection to any organization or foreign government at this stage. Both cautioned that the assessment remains preliminary while questioning and international investigative work continue.

Attempt to seize the controls

UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the co-pilot tried to gain control of the aircraft after attacking the captain with a crash ax. The tool is emergency equipment carried on many aircraft. Al Shamsi described the alleged attempted hijacking as a “terrorist act.”

The incident unfolded during the Dubai-to-Israel flight as the aircraft dropped thousands of feet within minutes. Captain Smit Machchhar, despite sustaining injuries, was able to unlock the cockpit door and alert cabin crew and passengers. People on board then entered the cockpit and helped restore control of the aircraft.

The episode highlights the importance of cockpit-access procedures and coordinated action in an aviation emergency. Modern commercial flights rely on strict separation between the flight deck and cabin, but a threat involving a member of the cockpit crew presents a particularly serious challenge because that person may already have access to the aircraft’s controls and safety systems.

Questions over radicalization

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel understood the suspect had undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination.” He said the conclusion was based on “personal information” gathered during the suspect’s continuing questioning, but he did not provide further details.

“[The suspect] underwent Islamist radical indoctrination,” Netanyahu said.

US President Donald Trump initially said he had heard the suspect could be linked to Iran. He did not offer supporting details, and Israeli officials later said no confirmed ties to a government or group were known at that point.

Investigators are likely to focus on the suspect’s recent employment history, communications, online activity and any evidence that could clarify whether the alleged attack was planned in advance. The available information has not established a broader network or direction from another party.

Suspect’s aviation employment history

The suspect has been identified as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national. Sources said he had been dismissed from a prior role with Oman’s national airline last year amid concerns about extremist views.

A LinkedIn account in al-Hammami’s name stated that he worked for Oman Air for seven years before leaving in February 2025. The profile listed a subsequent position with Morocco’s Royal Air Maroc beginning in June 2025 and ending in January 2026. One source said the account belonged to the co-pilot involved in Wednesday’s incident.

The profile was later deleted. A post appearing on the account roughly nine hours after the emergency included an image of a former al Qaeda leader. It remains unclear who made the post and whether it had been prepared or scheduled before the incident.

An Israeli official said al-Hammami had been employed by Flydubai for about eight months. Another source said he previously had a connection to Royal Air Maroc. The Moroccan carrier said he completed three months of training with the airline in 2025 during its pre-employment process but was not selected for a position.

The Australian Federal Police is also examining al-Hammami’s links to Australia and said further information would be released when appropriate.

Investigation remains active

The case now spans several jurisdictions, reflecting the international nature of commercial aviation. The flight originated in the United Arab Emirates, was heading to Israel, diverted to Saudi Arabia and involves a suspect whose work history includes Oman and Morocco, while Australian authorities are reviewing possible ties to their country.

For passengers and airlines, the most immediate issue is how an alleged assault inside the cockpit developed and how the crew and travelers were able to stop it. The emergency landing prevented a potentially catastrophic outcome, but the investigation will need to establish the precise sequence of events, the suspect’s intentions and whether warning signs were missed during employment or security screening.

Officials have emphasized that their current assessment of a lone actor could change as evidence is reviewed. Until the investigations are complete, the motive behind the alleged attempt to seize the aircraft remains unresolved.