Radicalized Flydubai pilot aborts flight, leaving Israeli tourists stranded in Dubai
An Israeli couple traveling from Sri Lanka to Tel Aviv was left in Dubai after a Flydubai pilot attempted to crash a plane full of Israelis.
Ajelet and Doron, who were on a holiday in Sri Lanka, booked their return through Ešet Tours and were scheduled to fly with Flydubai via Dubai. The airline cancelled the onward leg to Tel Aviv, citing safety concerns after a pilot on flight 1073 tried to deliberately bring down the aircraft. As a result, the couple and other Israeli passengers were confined to Dubai with no immediate onward transport.
Why it matters
The incident shows how security breaches can abruptly disrupt international travel for large passenger groups.
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.
In this story
Flydubaipilot sabotageIsraeli touristsflight cancellationDubaitravel disruption
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