The United Arab Emirates Prosecutor General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has described the violent cockpit incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 as an attempted “terrorist” attack, marking the first official statement by Emirati authorities categorising the assault in such terms.
On September 30, the co‑pilot allegedly attacked Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar with an axe during the Dubai–Tel Aviv flight, seriously injuring him and endangering hundreds of passengers. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where emergency medical care was provided before Machchhar was transferred to Abu Dhabi for recovery.
The co‑pilot has been identified by sources as Hammam al‑Hammami, an Omani national, though UAE authorities have not yet confirmed his identity publicly. Reports suggest al‑Hammami had previously faced restrictions in Oman over extremist views, raising questions about pilot screening and aviation security protocols.
The attack prompted Flydubai to suspend flights to Tel Aviv, while Israel’s flag carrier El Al cancelled planned repatriation services from Dubai. The incident has intensified global concerns about aviation safety, with experts calling for stricter international cooperation to prevent individuals with extremist backgrounds from accessing sensitive roles.
The UAE’s strong stance signals a broader crackdown on threats to civil aviation, as investigations continue into the motives and networks behind the attack.
