Flydubai Flight FZ1073 plummeted 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds on September 30. Omani co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami attacked Indian captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe inside the cockpit. The plane was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, carrying 174 souls. Despite serious injuries, Machchhar forced the door open. Passengers and reserve pilots subdued the attacker. The jet landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The incident has triggered a six-nation investigation. UAE authorities lead the probe, labeling the act an attempted terrorist attack. Israel, India, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Australia are all examining different facets of the case. Israel’s involvement is particularly sensitive. Oman has no diplomatic ties with Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu questioned how an Omani national was assigned to a Tel Aviv-bound flight. He ordered tighter security checks for all pilots entering Israeli airspace.
Al-Hammami’s background is now central to the inquiry. Reuters reported he previously worked for Oman Air but was moved to an administrative role due to concerns over extremist views. He later completed training with Royal Air Maroc in 2025 but was not hired. Then he joined flydubai. Indian authorities are assisting Machchhar, who is recovering in Abu Dhabi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the pilot a hero after a video call. Netanyahu also spoke with Machchhar, praising his role in saving the passengers.
Saudi Arabia detained al-Hammami upon landing in Tabuk. Israeli investigators are expected to join the UAE-led probe. The core question remains: how did a pilot with a flagged history operate a flight to a non-recognizing state? The answers could reshape aviation security protocols across the Gulf and Middle East.