UAE says co-pilot planned 9/11-style suicide crash on Dubai flight

UPDATE - follow-up to Flydubai co-pilot, who attacked Indian captain, planned to hijack flight FZ1073, crash at Israeli airport: UAE: Omani co-pilot Hammam Al Hammami planned to hijack Flydubai flight FZ1073 and crash it into the passenger terminal at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport on September 30.

Details of Plot

UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi stated that the 29-year-old suspect used two earlier flights to study the route and airport before attempting the attack on his third trip. The suspect allegedly attacked Indian captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit with a crash axe.

Intervention

A reserve pilot, a cabin crew member, and passengers intervened after the captain resisted the assault. The reserve pilot took control of the plane and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.

Background

Investigators traced the suspect's drift toward extremism to 2017 while he studied in Australia. Authorities said he was influenced by terrorist content, drew inspiration from the September 11 attacks, and decided to become a pilot to carry out the plot. He worked for Oman Air from 2020 to 2024, applied unsuccessfully to Royal Air Maroc in 2025, and joined Flydubai in January 2026.

Context

Air travel security protocols rely heavily on strict cockpit door controls and crew coordination to manage in-flight emergencies. Investigations into aviation security incidents typically examine both background vetting and cockpit security measures to prevent similar threats.