UAE Declares Flydubai Cockpit Attack a Terrorist Act as Investigators Probe Alleged Hijacking Plot

The United Arab Emirates has officially classified the terrifying incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 as an attempted terrorist act after the aircraft’s co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain inside the cockpit and attempted to take control of the plane.

According to the UAE Attorney-General, Counsellor Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, investigators have established that the co-pilot began executing what appeared to be a planned attack during the flight. He allegedly used a cockpit crash axe to attack the captain and attempted to seize control of the aircraft’s flight controls. The investigation is continuing to establish the suspect’s full motive, possible connections and whether the attack involved prior planning or outside direction.

The incident occurred aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv on September 30. The aircraft, carrying 182 people, was forced into a steep descent during the confrontation before the situation was brought under control.

The captain, identified as Indian national Captain Smit Machchhar, suffered serious injuries during the attack. Despite being wounded, he managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing people outside the flight deck to enter and help restrain the attacker. The aircraft was subsequently diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.

Machchhar has since been widely praised for his courage and presence of mind. Reports indicate that his actions, together with the intervention of passengers, crew members and other pilots travelling on the aircraft, helped prevent what could have become a catastrophic aviation disaster. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with the injured captain following the incident.

The suspect has been identified by multiple sources as 29-year-old Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, although the UAE authorities have not, at the time of reporting, independently released his identity in their official statement. Reports say he had previously worked for Oman Air and was removed from flying duties after concerns were raised about extremist views and material allegedly found in his possession. He was reportedly transferred to non-flying duties before subsequently leaving the airline.

Investigators are now examining al-Hammami’s background, including his previous employment, time spent in Syria, digital activity and possible extremist connections. Some reports have also raised the possibility that investigators are examining whether he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel in an attack inspired by the September 11, 2001 attacks. However, the precise intended target, the suspect’s ultimate motive and whether he acted alone have not yet been conclusively established publicly.

The UAE’s Foreign Ministry had initially urged the public to avoid speculation while investigators examined the circumstances, motives and any possible terrorist connection. The subsequent statement from the Attorney-General represents a significant development, formally describing the actions as an attempted terrorist act.

Authorities are continuing to analyse physical and digital evidence as well as the suspect’s history and possible contacts. Investigators from several countries are involved, reflecting the international implications of an attack that occurred on an international passenger flight travelling from the UAE to Israel.

For now, the clearest confirmed facts are that a Flydubai co-pilot attacked the captain, attempted to take control of the aircraft, and triggered an emergency that could have resulted in mass casualties. The UAE Attorney-General has now officially described the incident as an attempted terrorist act, while the investigation continues to determine the full motive and whether any wider network or advance planning was involved.I deliberately did not state the diary claims or the alleged admiration for Sadiq Khan and Zohran Mamdani as facts, because I could not verify those allegations through authoritative sources.