Israel refuses flydubai's request to restart flights after cockpit axe attack
Israel's government turned down flydubai's appeal to resume services to the country following a mid-air assault by an Omani co-pilot on a Tel Aviv-bound flight.
Israel, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, has refused flydubai's bid to reinstate its flights to the country after a violent incident on a Tel Aviv-bound aircraft. An Omani co-pilot, Hammam al-Hammami, attacked Indian captain Smit Machchar with an axe in the cockpit, causing a depressed skull fracture but the pilot kept the plane under control. The incident threatened the safety of over 170 passengers, most of whom were Israeli citizens. flydubai claimed the probe into the attack is close to completion and that it has terminated several employees involved. Despite these assurances, transportation minister Miri Regev denied the airline's request, and a delegation from Israel’s transportation ministry is expected to travel to Dubai next week.
Why it matters
The decision blocks a major carrier from serving Israel, affecting travel links and highlighting aviation security concerns.
How this story developed
- Sep 30 Netanyahu hails Indian pilot who thwarted alleged flydubai sabotage
- 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.
- 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.
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