Investigators say Flydubai co-pilot acted alone in recent aircraft incident
Preliminary findings indicate the Flydubai co-pilot was the sole perpetrator of the recent in-flight attack, officials said.
A joint investigation into a recent Flydubai flight disturbance has determined that the co-pilot was the only person involved in the attack. Early forensic and cockpit data suggest the co-pilot acted independently, ruling out the presence of additional conspirators. Officials highlighted the need to examine the co-pilot's personal history and any extremist affiliations that may have influenced the act.
The airline has suspended the crew member pending further legal action, and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority is conducting a safety review. International aviation bodies have been alerted to the findings, and the incident is being treated as a serious security breach. The probe remains open as investigators continue to gather evidence.
Why it matters
Understanding the lone-actor nature of the attack helps aviation security agencies prevent similar threats.
How this story developed
- Sep 30 Netanyahu hails Indian pilot who thwarted alleged flydubai sabotage
- Oct 1 A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to land in Saudi Arabia after the Omani co-pilot assaulted the captain in the cockpit.
- 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 A UAE official called the mid-air incident on flydubai flight FZ1073 a terrorist act and praised Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for safely landing the aircraft after a co-pilot attack.
- Oct 2 Modi praised Machchhar for averting disaster.
- Oct 2 Israeli carriers have formally requested clearance to restart Dubai routes.
- Oct 3 Co‑pilot identified as Hamam al Hamami, an Omani national previously barred by Oman over extremist concerns.
- 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 weapon used in the attack was identified as a small axe.
- Oct 3 The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
- Oct 3 Specialised investigators are analysing physical and digital evidence to determine the co‑pilot's motives and identify any potential ties to external extremist organisations.
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