Flydubai Attack Live Update: The Flydubai flight that descended rapidly over Saudi Arabia before making an emergency landing has turned into an international aviation investigation, with fresh reports now identifying the Omani co-pilot as accused of attacking the aircraft’s captain. Hamam Al-Hammami was named by Al Arabiya English, citing sources, as the co-pilot involved in the September 30 incident aboard Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The incident unfolded after the aircraft was already in flight. According to investigators and reports from multiple outlets, Al-Hammami attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, leaving him seriously injured as the Boeing 737 went into a steep descent. Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door despite his serious injuries, allowing passengers and other crew members to intervene. The aircraft was eventually brought under control and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
🔴 BREAKING: The flydubai co-pilot has been identified as Hamam Alhamami, according to Al Arabiya English sources. pic.twitter.com/Tz0U1whKyT
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) October 2, 2026
The latest reports have also raised questions about Al-Hammami’s previous employment history and whether concerns about him had been identified before he joined Flydubai.
Who is Hamam Al-Hammami?
Al-Hammami has been identified in recent reports as an Omani national and former Oman Air pilot. A LinkedIn profile under the name Hamam Al Hammami lists Oman Air among his professional experience.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Oman had previously barred Al-Hammami from flying after concerns about his views. ABC News separately reported that officials described him as having previously been identified as a security risk and said he had been suspended from flying by Oman Air.
These reports have become a major part of the investigation because Al-Hammami later obtained work with Flydubai and was assigned to a flight bound for Israel.
Flydubai Attack Live Update: Why Was Hamam Al-Hammami Previously Barred From Flying?
Reports from ABC News and The Wall Street Journal say Al-Hammami was removed from flying duties in Oman after authorities raised concerns about his views.
ABC News, citing senior intelligence and law-enforcement officials, reported that he had previously been identified as a security risk. The Wall Street Journal similarly reported that Oman had banned him from flying because of concerns over what it described as radical views.
The exact circumstances surrounding that decision, including the evidence behind the concerns and how he later obtained employment with Flydubai, remain part of the wider investigation.
Flydubai Attack Live Update: Did Hamam Al-Hammami Spend Time in Syria?
Some reports have raised questions about Al-Hammami’s movements before he joined Flydubai.
According to the information cited in reports, he spent significant periods outside Oman, including time in Syria. ABC News reported that officials were examining claims that he had been exposed to extremist ideas while there before later travelling to the UAE.
However, the precise nature of his activities in Syria and whether they directly contributed to the Flydubai incident have not been publicly established.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also alleged that the co-pilot underwent Islamist radicalisation. Other reporting has stressed that the investigation into his motive remains ongoing and that some claims about his background have not been independently established.
Flydubai Attack Live Update: What Happened on Flydubai Flight FZ1073
Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when the emergency began.
According to Reuters, the aircraft suddenly lost more than 14,000 feet in around 30 seconds. The co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit, while the aircraft’s transponder was briefly switched off.
Machchhar was seriously injured but managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers then entered the cockpit and helped restrain the co-pilot. Two off-duty Flydubai pilots who were travelling as passengers subsequently helped regain control of the aircraft.
The plane diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the injured pilots received medical treatment.
Flydubai Attack Live Update: What Happened to Captain Smit Machchhar?
Captain Smit Machchhar suffered multiple injuries during the alleged cockpit attack and underwent surgery after the aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia.
In a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, Machchhar described the moment he fought to reach the cockpit door while injured. ABC News reported that he said he knew he had to act to protect the passengers.
Reuters reported that Indian and Israeli leaders praised Machchhar for his actions during the emergency.
Flydubai Attack Live Update: What Happened to the Passengers?
The flight was carrying more than 170 passengers and crew members. After the emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, the passengers were eventually taken to Israel on another flight.
Reuters reported that passengers played a critical role in stopping the alleged attack after Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door. One passenger helped restrain the co-pilot, while other crew members and off-duty pilots assisted in stabilising the aircraft.
The incident has since triggered wider questions about aviation security, particularly the risks posed by threats originating from inside the cockpit. AP reported that authorities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Israel, the United States and Oman are involved in examining the incident.
Flydubai Attack Live Update: What is the Investigation Looking At?
Investigators are examining several issues, including what prompted the alleged attack, Al-Hammami’s previous employment history and how he was able to work as a commercial pilot after reportedly being removed from flying duties in Oman.
Reuters reported that Israeli officials were expected to question the co-pilot as part of the investigation.
The UAE has also launched an investigation into whether the incident constituted terrorist activity. At the same time, authorities have not publicly established a definitive motive for the attack.
For now, reports about Al-Hammami’s previous views, his time in Syria and the reasons behind his earlier suspension remain allegations or claims attributed to officials and media sources. The investigation will determine how those details relate to the Flydubai incident.
