Flydubai flight FZ1073 attacked in cockpit en route to Tel Aviv

Analysed · First reported 3 Oct 2026 · Updated 4 Oct 2026

A crew member assaulted the captain of Flydubai flight FZ1073 during its Dubai‑Tel Aviv sector, injuring the captain. Two reserve pilots completed a safe landing in Saudi Arabia and the captain was later transferred to Abu Dhabi.

Cockpit assault

According to the UAE prosecutor, the co‑pilot Hamam al‑Hammami used an emergency hammer to attack Captain Smit Machchhar. The same prosecutor later reported that the co‑pilot used an emergency axe. Other reports describe a deputy chief of staff using a crash axe in the cockpit.

Rapid descent

A passenger said the aircraft lost more than five kilometres of altitude in less than two minutes. An Israeli plumber reported a loss of about 17,000 feet in the same time frame. The UAE prosecutor stated the aircraft lost 5,200 metres of altitude two and a half hours after take‑off.

Passenger and crew response

Passengers, including dentist Shota Musaev, entered the cockpit and restrained the attacker. Israeli plumber Yaniv Hayoun, who had no pilot experience, also helped stop the attack. Two reserve pilots on board subsequently landed the aircraft safely in Saudi Arabia.

Official reactions

The UAE Attorney General said investigations are underway to determine all circumstances and motives. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacker was of Omani nationality and mentioned radical Islamist indoctrination and possible suicide intent.

What's still unclear

Sources differ on the weapon used (hammer, emergency axe, crash axe), on the exact altitude loss and timing (more than five kilometres in under two minutes, 17,000 feet in under two minutes, or 5,200 metres two and a half hours after take‑off), and on the identity of the attacker (co‑pilot Hamam al‑Hammami versus a deputy chief of staff).

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