Flydubai Co-pilot Attacks Captain in Attempted Israel Strike
Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked his captain with an axe during a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv, prompting Israel to scramble fighter jets before the plane landed in Saudi Arabia.
Israel nearly shot down a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv last week after co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with an emergency axe. The struggle caused the aircraft to plunge between 14,000 and 17,000 feet. Because the cockpit maintained radio silence, Israeli intelligence feared a 9/11-style attack on high-value targets, including Ben Gurion Airport and the Azrieli buildings.
The Israeli Air Force scrambled fighter jets and closed national airspace. The jets were eventually recalled after the aircraft turned toward Saudi Arabia. Captain Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to overpower al-Hammami. The plane subsequently made a safe emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Al-Hammami, an Omani national, is currently under investigation in the United Arab Emirates. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the suspect as a lone wolf extremist. Investigations revealed al-Hammami had a history of extremist views and had previously been removed from flying duties at Oman Air due to radicalization concerns. Al-Hammami later claimed he planned the operation before being hired by Flydubai, specifically choosing the airline because it flew to Tel Aviv.
