Flydubai co-pilot ‘had discussed killing Jews on social media’

Live updates

1. 52m ago

   Omani Flydubai Co-pilot Accused of Jihadist Ideology After Mid-Air Attack

   An Omani co-pilot, identified as 29-year-old Hamam al Hammami, allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe during flydubai flight FZ1073 to Israel. UAE and Israeli officials describe the incident as an attempted terrorist attack, with the co-pilot reportedly posting about killing Jews and displaying jihadist ideology on social media. The flight diverted safely to Tabuk, and Captain Machchhar is currently recovering in Abu Dhabi. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu characterized the attacker as a radical Islamist who was clearly suicidal.

   Why it matters

   The incident involves a high-security flight route to Tel Aviv and highlights potential security gaps in cockpit crew vetting. Investigations are now focusing on the attacker's history of radicalization and previous employment applications.

   What is confirmed

   • An Omani co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe during a Flydubai flight.
   • Israeli officials stated the co-pilot discussed killing Jews on social media and displayed jihadist ideology.
   • The aircraft diverted safely to Tabuk.
   • Captain Smit Machchhar is recovering in Abu Dhabi.
   • Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu described the co-pilot as a radical Islamist and clearly suicidal.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Hamam al Hammami intended to crash the plane into Ben-Gurion airport or a nearby tower block.
   • The co-pilot was previously banned from flying by Oman.
   • One pilot attempted to crash the plane and was stopped by the second pilot with passenger help.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the parallel UAE and Israeli criminal investigations
   • Official verification of the attacker's flight ban status in Oman
   • Security policy changes for Flydubai cockpit crew screening
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. The Times — Flydubai co-pilot ‘had discussed killing Jews on social media’
   2. AP News — Passenger who intervened to stop the attack recounts the incident during the flight to Israel
   3. News.com.au — ‘Kill me, kill me’: Pilot’s deranged plea
   4. Yahoo — Israeli PM speaks after alleged hijacking attempt
   5. The Times of Israel — Unconfirmed reports: One pilot attempted to crash plane, second pilot stopped him with passengers' help
   6. www.nbcnews.com — Flydubai pilot attacked captain with cockpit’s crash axe in attempted terrorist attack, UAE official says
   7. www.theaustraliatoday.com.au — Flydubai co-pilot with “Islamist radical indoctrination” was banned from flying by Oman; hero Indian captain Smit Machchhar recovering
   8. www.moroccoworldnews.com — Royal Air Maroc Rejected Flydubai Attack Copilot’s Job Bid After 2025 Training
   9. www.freepressjournal.in — Omani Co-Pilot In Flydubai Attack Discussed 'Killing Jews' On Social Media: Israeli Official
   10. www.indiatoday.in — Omani copilot flydubai stabbing suspect posted about killing Jews, Israeli official says - India Today
   11. www.lbc.co.uk — Pilot who attempted to hijack Flydubai passenger plane 'dreamed of crashing it into Tel Aviv's main airport'
   12. www.hindustantimes.com — flydubai Omani co-pilot's shocking online rants while at UK university: ‘Stomp on her head’, ‘cheap....
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