Aviation

FlyDubai flight diverted to Tabuk after cockpit stabbing

Analysed · First reported · Updated

FlyDubai flight diverted to Tabuk after cockpit stabbing
Image: aajsamaaj.com

A FlyDubai Boeing 737 on flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the co‑pilot stabbed the captain in the cockpit.

Flight and emergency signals

Flight 1073 departed Dubai at 03:05 UTC. At 05:28:48 UTC the aircraft began squawking 7700, the international code for a general emergency, and switched to 7500, the code for unlawful interference, at 05:35 UTC before returning to 7700 as it approached Tabuk.

The aircraft performed a steep descent, a sharp ascent, and another sharp descent before landing safely in Tabuk.

Cockpit attack

The co‑pilot stabbed the captain with a crash axe during the flight. The captain, identified as Smit Machchhar, fought off the attacker and opened the cockpit door; cabin crew and passengers helped subdue the co‑pilot.

The co‑pilot, an Omani national named Hammam al‑Hammami, was taken into custody after the aircraft landed.

Diversion and landing

Two off‑duty FlyDubai pilots took control of the aircraft and diverted it to Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

Saudi authorities rejected a request from Israel to land a military transport aircraft to pick up passengers; the passengers continued their journey on another FlyDubai flight.

What's still unclear

Passenger counts differ: 174 passengers (travelweekly.com.au), 150 people (businessday.ng), and 182 people (kval.com).

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