flydubai suspends all Israel routes after cockpit axe attack on flight
flydubai has halted all flights to and from Israel following a failed terrorist plot involving an Omani co-pilot who attacked the captain with an axe on a Dubai-Israel service.
flydubai announced an indefinite suspension of its services to and from Israel after a thwarted terror attempt on Flight FZ1073 on September 30. The Omani co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, is accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar with a cockpit axe in an effort to hijack the Boeing 737 and crash it into Ben Gurion Airport or a nearby tower. The struggle caused the plane to lose 17,000 feet in two minutes, but two qualified pilots on board took over, stabilized the jet and diverted it to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. All 172 passengers and eight crew members survived; the captain received medical care and returned to the UAE, while the suspected attacker was detained. flydubai chief Ghaith Al Ghaith expressed relief, praised the crew’s actions, and confirmed the airline is working with investigators and will keep passengers informed.
Why it matters
The incident raises aviation security concerns and disrupts travel between the UAE and Israel.
How this story developed
- Sep 30 Netanyahu hails Indian pilot who thwarted alleged flydubai sabotage
- Oct 1 The Saudi interior ministry said its initial probe indicates the co-pilot on the Dubai‑to‑Tel Aviv flight assaulted the captain.
- Oct 2 The suspect was transferred to United Arab Emirates authorities.
- Oct 2 President Trump said investigators are working to determine whether Iran is linked to the co‑pilot.
- Oct 2 Israeli carriers have formally requested clearance to restart Dubai routes.
- Oct 3 UAE prosecutors have classified the March incident on Flydubai flight between Dubai and Tel Aviv as a terrorist attack after a co-pilot used an emergency axe against the pilot.
- Oct 3 The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
- Oct 5 Al‑Hammami was transferred to UAE authorities for interrogation.
- Oct 6 President Trump warned of harsh retaliation against Iran if involvement is proven.
- Oct 6 Interrogations revealed the co‑pilot said his motive was revenge for Gaza and that he had earlier been prohibited from flying due to extremist concerns.
- Oct 8 The Everest ransomware group announced a breach of FlyDubai’s systems and issued an extortion demand.
- Oct 9 The co‑pilot told investigators he acted alone and had met all security requirements.
- Oct 9 The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
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