ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — The co-pilot accused of trying to seize control of a Flydubai passenger jet had previously been barred from flying in Oman after authorities raised security concerns about him, according to officials and people familiar with his history.
The disclosure has become a central part of an international investigation into how the pilot, identified by several officials and news organisations as 29-year-old Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, later obtained a flying job and was assigned to a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv service.
On Saturday, October 3, 2026, United Arab Emirates Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said investigators had determined that the co-pilot planned and attempted a terrorist act aboard Flight FZ1073.
According to the Emirates News Agency, Al Shamsi said the co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit with a crash axe and attempted to take command of the aircraft.
Investigators are still examining the motive, possible connections to other people, and physical and digital evidence.
Earlier Concerns in Oman
Before joining Flydubai, al-Hammami had faced restrictions on flying in Oman.
The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, reported that Omani authorities had prohibited him from flying because of concerns that he had adopted radical ideological views.
It remains unclear whether those concerns were shared with Flydubai or aviation authorities elsewhere before he was hired.
Oman’s government and Oman Air have not publicly explained what information was available to other airlines.
ABC News separately reported, citing senior intelligence and law-enforcement officials, that al-Hammami was identified as a security risk while training as a co-pilot for Oman Air in 2024.
The network reported that extremist material had been found in his possession and that he was removed from flying duties, although he was permitted to continue working for the airline in an administrative role.
The precise nature of the material and the process that led to the restrictions have not been publicly disclosed by Oman Air.
Flydubai has not said what background checks were conducted when al-Hammami joined the airline or whether it knew about the earlier concerns.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, Flydubai’s chief executive, said authorities were conducting a full investigation and cautioned against reaching conclusions before it was completed.
“It is important that we allow this process to establish the facts,” he said in a statement, acknowledging that there were “many questions” surrounding the incident.
Attack Began Inside Cockpit
Flight FZ1073 left Dubai for Tel Aviv on Wednesday, September 30.
While the aircraft was over Saudi Arabia, investigators say the co-pilot attacked Machchhar and tried to take control of the plane.
The UAE Attorney-General’s account is the first official Emirati statement to specify that a crash axe was used and to describe the episode as an attempted terrorist act.
Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry had earlier said its preliminary investigation established that the captain had been assaulted by his co-pilot and that both men were injured.
Saudi authorities detained the co-pilot after the aircraft landed in Tabuk. Both pilots were later transferred to Abu Dhabi after their medical conditions allowed them to travel.
Flight data shows how rapidly the situation aboard the aircraft deteriorated.
According to Flightradar24, the aircraft transmitted both a general emergency signal and the transponder code used internationally to indicate unlawful interference.
Reuters reported that tracking data showed the jet losing about 16,625 feet in slightly more than 30 seconds before recovering.
Passengers Entered the Cockpit
Machchhar was seriously wounded during the confrontation but managed to release the cockpit door, allowing people outside to enter.
Passengers and crew members restrained the co-pilot, while another Flydubai flight crew travelling aboard the aircraft took over the controls and diverted it to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia.
The aircraft landed safely.
Flydubai later sent another aircraft to collect the passengers and continue their journey to Israel.
The airline has temporarily suspended its Tel Aviv service at the request of authorities while investigations continue.
Captain Gives Account From Hospital
Machchhar, an Indian national, later spoke from hospital in Abu Dhabi with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He said he had been flying for 17 years, including 11 years as a captain, and realised during the struggle that the aircraft was descending dangerously.
“In that moment, I was fighting for my life,” he said.
But he said concern for the people aboard pushed him to continue trying to reach the cockpit release.
“I couldn’t let everybody else die,” Machchhar said.
The Indian prime minister’s office said Modi praised the captain for making critical decisions within seconds despite his injuries.
Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO.
In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others.
His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.
India is proud of Captain Machchhar.
Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 1, 2026
India’s ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, also visited Machchhar and said he was recovering well.
“He was speaking openly, smiling and laughing, which was a great relief for us and, above all, for his family,” Mittal said.
Investigators Examine Whether He Acted Alone
Al-Hammami is now in the United Arab Emirates, where authorities are leading the investigation.
The Associated Press reported that investigators were examining whether he acted alone or had links to an extremist organisation.
Three people with knowledge of the case, including Gulf and Western diplomats, identified him as the suspected co-pilot.
Israeli investigators are also participating in the UAE-led inquiry, Reuters reported.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the co-pilot had undergone Islamist radicalisation, but he did not publicly provide evidence supporting that assessment.
UAE investigators have not announced a final conclusion about what motivated the attack or whether another person directed it.
Al Shamsi said investigators were conducting technical examinations and analysing physical and digital evidence before releasing their final findings.
The inquiry is now also focused on al-Hammami’s aviation history: what prompted authorities in Oman to remove him from flying, whether those concerns were communicated outside the country, and how he subsequently gained access to the cockpit of an aircraft bound for Israel.
No official findings on those questions have yet been released.
