Friday, October 2, 2026 - The co-pilot suspected of attacking the captain of an Israel-bound Flydubai flight has been identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, according to people familiar with the investigation.
The United Arab Emirates said the co-pilot attempted to carry out what authorities described as a terrorist attack after allegedly attacking the captain with a crash axe and attempting to take control of the aircraft.
The flight, carrying 182 people, experienced a dramatic descent over Saudi Arabia on Wednesday before passengers and crew members intervened.
The injured captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing others to enter and subdue the co-pilot. A reserve Flydubai pilot then took control and landed the aircraft safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.
The investigation is now focused on how al-Hammami came to be working as a Flydubai co-pilot. People familiar with the matter told the Associated Press that he had previously been barred from flying by Oman over concerns about extremist views before later being hired by Flydubai.
Authorities are examining his background, possible motives and whether he acted alone or had connections to an extremist group. The UAE is leading the investigation, with Israeli officials also expected to participate.
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