UAE federal civil aviation regulator
The Flydubai FZ1073 flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv has diverted to Tabuk after a midair altercation in the cockpit. UAE authorities are coordinating with Saudi and Emirati agencies to determine motives, possible terrorism links, and any prior planning. The captain, Smit Machchhar, is recovering, and investigations are under way across multiple jurisdictions.
The co-pilot on Flight FZ1073 has been identified as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national. Investigators describe the incident as a potential terrorist act but are still establishing motive and whether others were involved. Passengers and crew subdued the co-pilot after he attacked the captain, prompting an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Israel has ordered a comprehensive security review of international flights following an incident in which an Omani co-pilot attacked the flight captain aboard a FlyDubai jet bound for Tel Aviv. Investigations focus on pilot vetting, cross-border checks, and possible security gaps as politicians react ahead of elections.