Flydubai pilot casts doubt over Israeli plumber’s role during attempted hijacking
A Flydubai pilot has cast doubt over the role of an Israeli plumber in subduing the co-pilot during an attempted hijacking on a flight from Dubai to Israel. The incident occurred on September 30, 2026, when the co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, attacked and seriously wounded the captain, Smit Machchhar, with a cockpit crash axe. The plane was diverted to Saudi Arabia and later landed in Tabuk. The Israeli plumber, Arion Milos, was initially credited with helping to subdue the co-pilot.
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- ✓ The co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, attacked and seriously wounded the captain, Smit Machchhar, with a cockpit crash axe.
- ✓ The plane was diverted to Saudi Arabia and later landed in Tabuk.
- ✓ Images of former al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri and suicide bomber Humam Khalil Abu-Mulal al-Balawi were found on al-Hammami's social media.
What changed
A Flydubai pilot, Yaniv Hayoun, has disputed the account that an Israeli plumber played a significant role in subduing the co-pilot during the attempted hijacking.
Live updates
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Flydubai pilot doubts Israeli plumber's role in hijacking
A Flydubai pilot has cast doubt over the role of an Israeli plumber in subduing the co-pilot during an attempted hijacking on a flight from Dubai to Israel. The incident occurred on September 30, 2026, when the co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, attacked and seriously wounded the captain, Smit Machchhar, with a cockpit crash axe. The plane was diverted to Saudi Arabia and later landed in Tabuk. The Israeli plumber, Arion Milos, was initially credited with helping to subdue the co-pilot.
Why it matters
The attempted hijacking of Flydubai Flight 1073 has raised concerns about airline security and the potential for terrorist attacks on commercial flights. The incident is under investigation by law enforcement agencies from Israel and the UAE. Flydubai is an Emirati government-owned airline based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
What is confirmed
- The co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, attacked and seriously wounded the captain, Smit Machchhar, with a cockpit crash axe.
- The plane was diverted to Saudi Arabia and later landed in Tabuk.
- Images of former al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri and suicide bomber Humam Khalil Abu-Mulal al-Balawi were found on al-Hammami's social media.
Still unconfirmed
- An Israeli plumber, Arion Milos, helped subdue the co-pilot during the attempted hijacking.
What to watch next
- Investigation findings into the attempted hijacking
- Statements from Flydubai and aviation authorities
- Potential changes to airline security protocols
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (12)
- www.cnn.com — Co-pilot on Israel-bound flight stabbed captain and tried to hijack plane, sources say
- www.cnn.com — What happened inside the Flydubai flight to Israel? What we ...
- www.cbsnews.com — What we're learning about the FlyDubai co-pilot who allegedly ...
- en.wikipedia.org — Flydubai - Wikipedia
- en.wikipedia.org — Flydubai Flight 1073 - Wikipedia
- Homeland Security Today — Two Maldivian Flydubai Pilots Held in UAE Over Alleged Aircraft Attack Plot
- The Times of Israel — Flydubai captain recalls struggle to open cockpit door during attempted terror attack
- Reuters — Captain of flydubai plane describes blocking axe blows as co-pilot attacked
- ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Flydubai captain describes co-pilot's axe attack and saving 170 passengers
- NDTV — 'Can Plumber Land Aircraft'? flydubai Indian Pilot On Role Of Israeli Hero
- nz.news.yahoo.com — Flydubai pilot casts doubt over Israeli plumber’s role during attempted hijacking
- The Independent — Flydubai pilot casts doubt over Israeli plumber’s role during attempted hijacking
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