Flydubai Co-Pilot Attacked with Axe
A flydubai co-pilot attacked his captain during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, attempting to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport. The captain successfully defended himself, alerted colleagues, and facilitated the aircraft's safe landing in Saudi Arabia.
What happened
- During a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked by co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami who intended to crash the aircraft.
- The attack occurred in Saudi airspace and involved the use of a crash axe typically kept in the cockpit.
- Machchhar described blocking repeated blows to his head and attempting to free himself from the seatbelt.
- He then opened the cockpit door, screaming for help and losing consciousness.
- The aircraft, carrying 170 passengers, experienced a rapid descent of 4,900 meters (16,000 feet) in 30 seconds.
- Two other pilots intervened, and the aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
- Authorities allege al-Hammami was radicalized while studying in Melbourne and planned a "suicide attack" targeting Ben Gurion Airport.
- The suspect was subsequently transferred to UAE custody.
Original reporting
- Guardian: Flydubai captain describes blocking axe blows as co-pilot attacked him
2026-10-18T00:00:00+00:00 - ABC: Flydubai captain describes co-pilot's axe attack and saving 170 passengers
2026-10-19T02:42:11+00:00