Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national, has been identified as the Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit of a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight on September 30, 2026. The incident triggered an emergency response and forced the aircraft to divert to Saudi Arabia, while authorities began investigating the circumstances and possible motive behind the attack.
Who is Hamam al-Hammami?
According to reports citing CNN and other sources, al-Hammami was born in the UAE to an Omani father and Syrian mother. He reportedly spent significant periods outside Oman, including time in Syria. A LinkedIn profile attributed to him, which has since been deleted, indicated that he had worked for Oman Air for several years before moving between aviation-related positions. CNN also reported that he studied aviation management at Buckinghamshire New University in the UK.
Reports differ on some details of his age and employment history, so those details should be treated cautiously while the investigation continues.
What Happened on the Flydubai Flight?
The incident occurred aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people on board. Reports say al-Hammami allegedly attacked and stabbed Captain Machchhar inside the cockpit.
The aircraft subsequently went into a steep descent. Despite suffering injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene. Two off-duty pilots on board also helped take control of the aircraft. The plane was eventually diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar later described the ordeal during a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Reuters reported that the aircraft lost thousands of feet in a short period before Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door and enable others to intervene.
Earlier Concerns During Oman Air Career
One of the major questions now being investigated concerns al-Hammami’s earlier aviation career. Multiple media reports say he was removed from flight duties or restricted from flying while associated with Oman Air after concerns about alleged extremist material or views emerged during his training.
However, reports differ on the exact timeline and circumstances. The Indian Express noted that ABC News and CNN had provided differing dates for when the concerns arose, while the nature of the material has not been publicly detailed.
Investigation Underway
Al-Hammami is reportedly in UAE custody as authorities investigate the incident as a possible terrorism-related case. UAE, Saudi and Israeli authorities are examining the attack, including his background, employment history and possible motive.
At this stage, several details remain under investigation. Authorities have yet to establish publicly all aspects of the alleged motive or whether anyone else was involved. The case has also raised questions about aviation recruitment, background checks and security screening for commercial pilots.
